WBO Wants Answer From Yarde on Buatsi Interim Title Bout

Seeking to arrange an interim light-heavyweight title bout, the World Boxing Organization moved Wednesday to clarify the dispute between light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde and promoter Frank Warren.

The WBO, in a four-page letter, ordered Yarde (25-3, 24 KOs) to inform the sanctioning body in writing by Saturday whether he’ll participate in an interim title fight against his U.K. countryman Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs).

“Failure to comply with this condition will result in the championship committee determining that Anthony Yarde is uninterested, and therefore, recommending to the ratings committee his exclusion from the WBO light-heavyweight ratings,” WBO attorney Luis Batista Salas wrote in the letter.

The interim title bout has been sought since May 8 as a response to the knee injury (ruptured meniscus) suffered by unbeaten, three-belt light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, which may require an extended layoff and recovery time.

On May 16, however, the WBO was informed by Yarde’s legal representatives that he is “currently in a dispute resolution procedure regarding a contractual matter between (Yarde and Warren), and, consequently, Yarde (was) formally withdrawing from the negotiations ordered and any purse-bid proceedings and the proposed contest, as he is unavailable,” the WBO attorney wrote.

Thus, the WBO is now seeking to confirm that stance by ordering a June 7 purse bid for Yarde-Buatsi during the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend June 7 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York.

Should Yarde confirm his exit, one possible replacement for him is British countryman Willy Hutchinson (17-1, 13 KOs).

Hutchinson, ironically, fights for Warren in Saturday’s “5 versus 5” card in Saudi Arabia against Eddie Hearn fighter Craig Richards. Should Hutchinson win, he’ll possibly move up from his current No. 5 position and become the opponent for Buatsi.  

The minimum bid for the bout among interested promoters is $300,000, the WBO said. The purse shall be divided in a 50-50 split if both Buatsi and his opponent hail from the U.K.

The bout must take place between 45 and 90 days of the purse bid.