Having successfully defended the IBF / WBO / WBC light heavyweight titles (up to 79.4 kg) in a fight against Briton Anthony Yard (23-3, 22 KOs), Russian Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) playing under the Canadian flag KO) took part in the final
press conferences.
Artur spoke about his feelings after the fight, answered the question about a possible fight for the title of absolute champion against the Russian WBA “super champion” Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs), assessed his opponent and his performance, and also answered other questions from representatives of the British MEDIA.
– You had a great fight. Everyone enjoyed. How do you like this fight?
— Good fight, because I was lucky [улыбается]. Another victory.
– What can you say about your performance?
– You know, there were only eight rounds, and I could not show myself. I just began. My coach will be able to tell. In truth, I only woke up in these rounds.
– It was a very spectacular fight. Was it more difficult than you thought?
You know, you never know how a fight will go. You may have some strategies, scenarios, but you do not know in advance. But he had a good fight. And me too.
– Anthony was the most difficult opponent?
– It’s different here. When you fight for belts, it’s different. It might be harder for me than it was for Yard because he could win three belts at once. It’s easier for him. And when you defend, it’s harder. I can’t say that he is the strongest.
– Was it your most difficult fight?
“I have just talked about this. I can’t call it the hardest fight, but it’s good. He did a good job.
– Did you worry in battle? Were you afraid of losing during the fight, or were you in control of the fight?
“I think I was in control. We controlled everything.
— Arthur, what did you say to Anthony Yard after the fight? I saw you talking.
You know, he’s a good guy. I wish him all the best in the future. He still has time. And today for me it is a victory, and for him it is an experience.
– If you wanted, could you finish the fight earlier?
No, I’m not Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali said: “When you want, then I will finish.” I am a very simple boxer, I am not Muhammad Ali.
– Dmitry Bivol will be next? Is this the person you want?
— It’s a good job for me. If you can organize, go ahead, let’s do it.
– If you defeat him, then you will have four belts. Is this what you want?
– Yes I know that [смеётся].
Is Yard good enough to win the title?
— Yes, I think so. Because he is young, he has potential. To date, I think he has a good experience. He missed, was stopped, but this is an experience.
– Did you like Britain?
— Yes, now I have good memories of London. [смеётся].
How will you spend your time these few days? How will you celebrate?
– I dont know. Maybe I’ll go somewhere for a few weeks.
– Can you tell that Yard hits hard?
– To be honest, during the fight … He said that he watched my last fight and said that I was slow. And during the fight, I thought: “Why did he say that I’m slow?” He’s slow, not me! I think he’s slow, not me. He made a mistake.
Have you been in harder fights than this one?
“Honestly, in this fight, I didn’t do well in terms of punches. Something didn’t work. I couldn’t do something. I didn’t do everything I wanted to.
– Was it a good decision that the fight was stopped?
– Good decision. You need to feel like a fighter. The coach needs to feel the fighter and know when to stop the fight. He knows him better and he stopped. I didn’t want to kill anyone, I just wanted to win.