GYM HELPS YARDE COPE WITH HIS COVID TRAGEDIES

ANTHONY YARDE claims having his own gym has helped him come to terms with losing both his dad and gran to coronavirus.

The boxer (above) lost them within days of each other at the start of the pandemic and says the gym, which is five minutes from his home in Ilford, gives him the space he needs.

The former world-title challenger is the only professional at the gym, which opened in October and is run by the youth charity BoxUpCrime.

“It’s made a big difference,” he said. “I can go to the gym when I want, I’ve got my own keys. I can go and clear my head because of the things I have gone through in my personal life.

“I can be by myself, hit the bag for half an hour, or just sit in the gym and listen to music. Being in a gym reminds me of what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. It’s been good.”

Yarde, 29, said he has had to be strong to support his family.

“For some of my family members, I’m there like a counsellor,” he added.

“I’m talking to them and explaining things which happen in life. I use examples of people in other countries who go through crazy tragedies, wars, and they just have to get on with it.

“When I sit down and think about it, I do get emotional. It’s overwhelming, but the job must go on, that’s just life.”

Yarde has used the gym to prepare for Saturday’s clash with unbeaten Commonwealth light-heavyweight champ Lyndon Arthur, at Church House, in Westminster. He tops the bill in Frank Warren’s 40th anniversary show and believes he can join his long list of world champions.

“Forty years is a massive accomplishment,” he said. “I’m excited to see what he’s going to do next and I hope to be one of his next world champions.”

YARDE vs Arthur – Live on Saturday, 7.30pm, on BT Sport 1 HD