Light Heavyweight British Throwdown
Another intriguing outcome presented itself tonight at Church House, Westminister in London when Anthony Yard (20-2, 19 Kos) and Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 Kos) entered that squared circle.
The underdog Lyndon came in with a very good “game plan” and executed it to a “T”. Lyndon’s stiff and steady jab was a key factor tonight. Lyndon boxed well and kept a cool head throughout the rounds.
Anthony, on the other hand, came out the gate with no real sense of urgency which may have cost him a few early rounds. That said, Yard did pick up the pace as the rounds wore on and did manage to land the more telling power punches but the jab, he was eating all night from Lyndon clearly dictated what the Judges were taking into account.
The bout seemed to get a lot closer to call in the later rounds but truth be told, I personally think that Anthony rallied a little too late and did not press the action in his usual dominating ways.
After 12 rounds of action the Judges called it a split decision. One Judge had it 117-111 for Yard and the other two Judges had it 115-114 for Lyndon.
Yard, who was clearly the stronger fighter, did not have the right “game plan” on the night. Yard may have landed the more power shots but it was Lyndon who controlled most of the rounds with good ring generalship and a steady and accurate jab.
Lyndon kept it simple but effective and never wavered from the original “game plan” and for that Lyndon handed Anthony his second defeat.
Congratulations Lyndon. With this win you now retain your Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Title and picked up the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Title and move up one step closer to a World Championship opportunity.
Blaze