Three-belt unified gentle heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev says the WBA title will likely be one other for his assortment because the wrecking machine prepares for battle.
Beterbiev faces Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed crown on October 12, figuring out his legacy is on the road. The pair collide as a part of the kick-off to Riyadh Season, with Turki Alalshikh stumping up the cash to safe the bout.
At 20-0 with 20 KOs, Beterbiev is among the most damaging fighters on the planet. Nevertheless, all of the Russian puncher sees is the prize that awaits him.
“I simply see one other belt. I’m gathering belts, and I would like yet another,” identified Beterbiev. “I don’t know why [it’s taken so long to make this fight]. He is aware of higher. Ask him.”
Whether or not Bivol is his hardest check, Beterbiev added, “We’ll see. I’m not fascinated with it. I’m making ready for it. I’ll put together and attempt to be at one hundred pc.”
Boxing’s solely world champion with a a hundred percent knockout ratio, Beterbiev, had stopped Enrico Koelling in his twelfth professional combat to win the IBF world title. He added the WBC championship to his assortment in 2019 with a tenth-round TKO over Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Lastly, he captured the WBO strap in 2022 by stopping Joe Smith Jr. in two rounds.
WBO, WBC, and IBF titleholder Beterbiev returns from an damage final spring after defeating former world champion Callum Smith in seven rounds in January. The ailment delayed the combat from its authentic date of June 1.
Todd duBoef, the Prime Rank President representing Beterbiev, is assured his fighter can get the job accomplished.
“I’ve at all times been a fan of destruction. And this man is destruction,” said duBoef. “Each time you activate the tv, my cellphone rings, and buddies from everywhere in the world name me and say, ‘Who is that this monster?’ And I feel he will get higher with every combat.”
Bivol, who turned skilled in 2014, has a 22-0, 11 KO report. He captured the WBA interim title with a call victory over Felix Valera two years later.
The next 12 months, he was elevated to full champion and has since made 11 defenses with victories over the likes of Jean Pascal, Smith Jr., Sullivan Barrera, and Canelo Alvarez.
Final December, Bivol fought on the historic “Day of Reckoning” card in Riyadh, shutting out British challenger Lyndon Arthur.
When these two champions go toe-to-toe, it ought to be some spectacle.
Prime Rank, Queensberry Promotions, Matchroom Boxing, World of Boxing Promotions, and Sela promote Beterbiev vs. Bivol. The combat will likely be broadcast stay and solely on ESPN+ within the U.S. as a one-fight particular.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
