British light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde has named Artur Beterbiev as the hardest puncher he has ever faced, ranking the Russian’s power above that of David Benavidez. Speaking on talkSPORT on June 16, 2026, the Hackney-born fighter compared his experiences against three world-class champions to settle a persistent debate regarding the pure physical force of the division’s elite.
Anthony Yarde holds a unique perspective, having shared the ring with Sergey Kovalev, Artur Beterbiev, and most recently David Benavidez in world title contests. While he was stopped in the eighth round by Artur Beterbiev in 2023 and the seventh round by David Benavidez in November 2025, Yarde insists the physical sensation of the shots differed significantly.
“I’ll say Beterbiev was the strongest, the hardest punch,” Anthony Yarde stated during the broadcast. He reflected on the raw thudding power of the unified IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion, contrasting it with the high-volume, rapid-fire approach favored by Benavidez during their recent Riyadh encounter.
Evaluating the power of Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez
The distinction Anthony Yarde draws is based on how his body reacted to the impact of the shots. Referring to his fight against David Benavidez at the ANB Arena in Saudi Arabia, Yarde explained that the American’s speed and physical dimensions were the primary obstacles rather than concussive one-punch power.
“Believe it or not, I’m in there with Benavidez and he’s whacking but none of these shots are really hurting me,” Yarde admitted. He specifically highlighted David Benavidez’s “very, very fast hands” and noted that his legs were “abnormally long,” allowing him to close distance with surprising efficiency to land flurries.
In contrast, the pressure from Artur Beterbiev was more physically grueling. At the time of their 2023 London bout, Artur Beterbiev reportedly told Yarde that it was the hardest professional fight he had ever experienced. Before the eighth-round stoppage, Yarde was leading on two of the three official scorecards, having successfully navigated the Russian’s power for the majority of the contest.
A history of chasing elite world title challenges
Anthony Yarde’s career is defined by his willingness to face champions at their peak. He noted that he often takes these fights when opponents are on an “upward scale” and others in the division are hesitant to face them. This fearless approach began in 2019 when he traveled to Russia to face Sergey Kovalev, nearly stopping the veteran before being halted in the 11th round.
The British contender, who currently holds a professional record of 27-4 with 24 KOs, remains ranked third by Ring Magazine at 175 pounds. His analysis of power versus speed provides a practical look at the different styles that dominate the upper echelons of the sport.
The physical toll of such fights has led many, including Oleksandr Usyk, to discuss the long-term impact of heavy trading in professional boxing.
Anthony Yarde maintains that these champions are “just different fighters stylistically.” While David Benavidez leveraged rhythm and reach to secure his victory, Artur Beterbiev relied on a heavier brand of physical strength that Yarde believes remains unmatched among his list of former opponents.
The dual-division dominance of David Benavidez
While Anthony Yarde evaluates their past meeting, David Benavidez has expanded his reach across two weight classes. Currently, David Benavidez is the WBC light heavyweight champion, but he has also established himself as a champion in the cruiserweight division. This transition has solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile forces in the modern era.
David Benavidez secured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles by finishing Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round. Interestingly, this move up in weight followed his win over Yarde, where Benavidez had vowed to perform “better” than Artur Beterbiev did. By ending the fight one round earlier than the Russian had, David Benavidez met his own performance goal, despite Yarde’s assessment of their relative power.
Before facing Yarde, David Benavidez was already the WBC world champion and WBA Interim title holder at light heavyweight. His unbeaten record of 30-0 with 24 KOs makes him a high-priority target for many, though Rolando Romero and other vocal figures in the sport often debate the true hierarchy of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Future prospects for Anthony Yarde at 175 pounds
As of June 17, 2026, Anthony Yarde has not officially confirmed who he will fight next. Despite his four professional losses, they have all come against elite-level world champions, ensuring his stock remains high in the light heavyweight division. His durability and ability to compete with the likes of Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez suggest he is still a major player.
The light heavyweight landscape is currently dominated by talks of unification and massive Saudi-backed events. Anthony Yarde’s insights into “weight of shot” versus “speed of hand” offer fans a rare glimpse into what it actually feels like to stand across from the world’s most dangerous punchers. He remains a gatekeeper toward the very top of the rankings.
Whether he pursues a domestic clash or another run at a world title, Yarde’s willingness to step in with anyone has earned him respect. For now, his verdict on the power debate remains a significant endorsement of Artur Beterbiev’s physical strength as the Russian prepares for the final chapters of his storied career.
