Artur Beterbiev, the powerful Russian boxer and reigning light heavyweight champion, recently made some bold statements about the future of his career. Known for his crushing knockout power and unbeaten record, Beterbiev has long been linked with potential matchups against some of the biggest names in boxing, including heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, in a recent interview, Beterbiev definitively shut down any talk of a future fight with Usyk, stating that it was not a fight he was interested in pursuing.
Beterbiev has consistently been one of the most feared fighters in the light heavyweight division, holding titles in both the WBC, WBO, and IBF. Despite Usyk’s dominance in the heavyweight division and the natural intrigue surrounding a potential matchup between the two champions, Beterbiev expressed disinterest in facing the Ukrainian superstar in the ring. “It’s not the fight I’m focused on,” Beterbiev explained, making it clear that his sights are set on different challenges, namely a rematch with Dmitry Bivol and a possible showdown with undefeated cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
Regarding the prospect of facing Dmitry Bivol again, Beterbiev showed no hesitation in expressing his confidence. After their first encounter, where Bivol managed to secure a unanimous decision win over Canelo Alvarez in May 2022, many fans wondered about a potential rematch between Bivol and Beterbiev. However, Beterbiev firmly believes that if a rematch were to happen, it would end in a knockout victory for him. “Bivol won’t last the second time,” Beterbiev declared with conviction. “I’ll knock him out. I know how to beat him.”
The Russian powerhouse has been on a tear, earning his reputation with a series of devastating knockouts. He has an impressive track record of ending fights quickly and efficiently, making him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport today. His confidence in a potential rematch with Bivol stems from his belief that he has what it takes to solve the puzzle Bivol presents. Beterbiev’s knockout power is unparalleled, and many believe a fight with Bivol could be a classic clash of styles, with Beterbiev looking to apply relentless pressure while Bivol attempts to outbox him.
But it’s not just Bivol who’s in Beterbiev’s sights — undefeated cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is also a potential future opponent. Opetaia has made waves in the cruiserweight division, and while Beterbiev has been dominant at light heavyweight, the thought of moving up to face Opetaia is something that excites the Russian fighter. Beterbiev acknowledged Opetaia’s talent and the challenge he would pose, but he’s confident in his ability to conquer that challenge when the time comes.
While the speculation about a potential Usyk fight may have captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide, Beterbiev’s mindset is clear: he’s not concerned with heavyweight pursuits at the moment. His focus is on continuing to dominate the light heavyweight division, potentially securing a rematch with Bivol and eyeing a fight with Opetaia.
With Beterbiev’s knockout power, undefeated record, and unwavering confidence, it’s clear that he has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon. Fans are eagerly awaiting his next move, and if the rematch with Bivol or a potential clash with Opetaia comes to fruition, it will certainly be an electrifying addition to the already exciting landscape of boxing’s top divisions. But for now, Artur Beterbiev remains focused on the task at hand: knocking out anyone who stands in his way.
