Good. or good enough to beat a very good yet inexperienced Yarde. Always looked a step ahead boxing wise, yet never dominated until after the 8th (where he was almost stopped). 175 has got the best 4 champions individually in boxing. In other divisions there's always at least one weak guy, or paper champ.
For a shot fighter ****ing amazing, with the exception of one round, where he almost got KO'd. But bounced back impressively the next round.
Slightly shop worn but used his excellent boxing skills to respond to a tough 8th with a dominant 9th. Also, signs he might be training with more dedication because his powers of recovery were A+. Overall bossed the fight and still got class in abundance, albeit against a computer programmed novice with a bellend for a trainer.
He looked old sadly... Won it off still having one of the best jabs in boxing... Hate to say it.. But canelo will wipe floor with him at this point
Kovalev needs to take the canelo Fight ASAP. There was nothing at all clever from yarde and Kovalev had so many openings to knock him out. I would avoid Gvosydk, Beterviev and even Bivol at this point. I'd go for the canelo fight for sure and hope the size is too much and then get the rematch.
Canelo will wait for him to age some more. Kovalev's prime has come and gone. Its too bad they robbed him in the 1st fight with Ward, and didn't call the low blows in the re-match.