Artur Beterbiev talks about his next fight and desire to be unified light heavyweight champion

Sub Lead15-Mar-22by Allan Cerf

Exclusive interview with IBF and WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev

Artur Beterbiev

Very recently I interviewed the exciting and powerful Light Heavyweight, Artur Beterbiev – his manager Damir, was also on the phone. Both were as friendly and accommodating as can be. Maxboxing.com hopes to do another interview which I think will become a reality. Here’s a shout-out to all fans – PLEASE send questions you want asked of Artur.

Artur is proof that Eastern Europeans are great with languages – his English seemed to get better as we spoke. Sometimes Damir would put my questions in Russian to Artur. I know a tiny bit of Russian and was able to understand a bit what Damir was asking. For the most part, my questions were in English to Artur – who replied to me in English. Enjoy!

Question 1., Allan: Artur, would you fight Canelo Alvarez without concessions? No catchweight, no short time to train.

Artur’s reply: Konechno, konechno (Of course, of course.)

Question 2., Allan: You started slowly in your fight vs. Lucas Browne. By the third round, you were starting to click and more so in the fourth.

From then on, you looked great.

Did the long layoff make you a bit rusty? One can train and train, but it’s not the same thing as being in the ring perhaps.

Artur’s reply: Yes, it became difficult – long time I haven’t fought. There were many things.

Allan: And the first time you were cut?

Artur’s reply: Yes.

Question 3., How many more years would you like to fight?

Artur’s reply: In 2022?

I don’t know. (Damir clarifies in Russian that I mean in his career, not just 2022.)

Artur: I ask my coach I’m good or not, they tell me, yes and I will continue…I want to continue…in my mind.

Like, I’m looking forward a good challenge. My dream is to become good boxer. And I think I’m going forward to my dream!

Allan: You’ve succeeded in becoming a good fighter.

Artur: Yes.

Question 4., Allan: Are there any updates on fighting Joe Smith? Your fans are interested in knowing when your next fight will be and with whom.

Artur’s reply: There are a couple…I have some offers from this week…from my Top Rank Company…and my hope is this fight is gonna happen because…good fight for me, like unification fight.

And I hope it’s coming soon, you know?

Allan: We would love to see you in the ring as often as you care to get in there.

Artur: Me, too, me too, (laughter). Me too.

Because you know why- there is two things, two objects, why I want to be more often in ring? Because they pay me and good challenge…and one day I became a good boxer.

Question 5., Allan: Who else besides Joe Smith are you looking at? Are there any fights that stand out in your mind?

Artur’s reply: Right now, I’m not looking for an opponent. What I do usually…when we have a signed contract for a fight, I start to … (Damir further explains my question).

Artur: You know, of course I want to unificate all belts, you know? I think it’s not secret – but don’t tell anyone! If Canelo wants to come up to my (weight) category, it’s a good challenge for me. I accept this fight - I will accept this fight. But I’m not dreaming about Canelo. If there is some good offer and some good thinking, then we will decide. I think it’s normal.

Question 6., Allan: Give us some idea of what you do when you’re not training, what are your hobbies?

What is life like in Montreal?

Artur’s reply: You know when I’m not boxing, I go to walk. And I try to be more with my family. When I’m in camp, I’m not with my family you know? But when I have time to be with uh…free time…I try to use it at home.

Allan: Listen, I thank you very much for the time. I think you’ve answered the questions that maxboxing.com fans are interested in. I wish you all the best in your career.

Artur: Thank you much, thank you much – you too.

Damir: Thank you Allan, any time.

Allan: Looking forward to your next fight. Do svidaniya.