Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion with a fearsome record of 21-0 and 20 knockouts to his name, has fully admitted that he does not fancy a shot with Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated heavyweight king. In an interview with Fight Hub on January 13, Beterbiev admitted: “There won’t be a fight with Usyk. He’s too strong for me.” At least he’s honest, eh?
Beterbiev, made it crystal clear in an interview with Fight Hub TV that moving up to heavyweight to face Usyk is not on his to-do list. “If he moves back to my division, then I will fight him. But not in heavyweight. Cruiser weight? No. Too strong, too good.” Well, that’s one way to dodge a beating.
The pair have history, having clashed three times in the amateur ranks. Usyk came out on top twice, and it seems those memories are still fresh for Beterbiev. Can’t say I blame him for wanting no part of the man who just schooled Tyson Fury.
Speaking of Fury, Beterbiev had some thoughts on that as well. “Fury fought well. I feel a bit sorry that there are no big names in heavyweight right now. I mean, real legends like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson. Right now, Usyk and Fury are the best in this weight class.” Translation: Heavyweight is a bit of a snooze fest these days, aside from Usyk and Fury.
To be fair, Beterbiev’s honesty is a rare thing in boxing. Most fighters would have given a canned line about “considering all options” or “testing themselves against the best.” Instead, Beterbiev basically says, “No, mate. I will stick to my own track.”
