The latest news from the local boxing scene

Explosive light heavyweight Anthony Yarde faces the toughest test of his career as one of three unbeaten professionals from the Peacock gym on the world title bill at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

After slamming nine stoppages in ten straight wins, power puncher Yarde takes his first title contest against Southern Area champ Chris Hobbs, the Southampton soldier who has suffered only one defeat in eight bouts.

They meet on the bill topped by American Gervonta Davis defending his IBF world super featherweight belt against Liam Walsh, whos brother Ryan faces Marco McCullough.

“The Southern Area belt will be my first on the way to the top,” said Yarde, 25, who is trained at the east London gym by Tunde Ajayi.

The fighter they are calling the new Nigel Benn will start a hot favourite, but Hobbs insists: ”We will see how good Yarde is against a real opponent on Saturday.

“I could have made an easier choice, but I wanted this — if I win I will fight for the British title.

“I know how much a victory over Yarde would lift my career,” said the 29-year-old champion.

The Frank Warren promotion also features another heavy hitter from Peacock as heavyweight Daniel Dubois goes for his third straight win since turning pro this year.

Unbeaten welterweight Sammy McNess, trained by Mark Tibbs at Peacock, also aims to maintain his victory march on the show that is packed with rising talent.

Also in action at the Copper Box on Saturday are Lucien Reid, Boy Jones Junior, Billy Long, Archie Sharp, Sanjeev Sahota, Joe Pigford and Aaron Morgan.

Unbeaten super welterweight Paul Upton looks for his 14th straight success when he appears on the ‘New Era’ bill in Brentwood on Friday night.

The Brentwood Centre show features the 50th pro fight of former IBO world, British and European titleholder Colin Lynes.

The 39-year-old faces south London-based Bulgarian Mario Petrov, while Bradley Smith meets Ibrar Riyaz and Mike Sakyi faces James Carley.

Billy Allington, Jake O’Meara. Tey-Lynn Jones, Richie Gray, Louis Adolphe and John Gillies are named for supporting bout action.