The world champion in the three main versions in light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) Canadian Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) gave
interview for the British media.
Ahead of Arthur is a fight against former British challenger Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs), which is scheduled for January 28 at Wembley Arena in London. In a conversation, Beterbiev commented on a possible fight for the title of absolute champion of the division against WBA “super champion” from the Russian Federation Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs), and also spoke about a possible fight against the unified heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) from Ukraine Alexander Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs).
If the people and the bookmakers are right, then you will be the winner on January 28th. There is one fight that all boxing fans want to see – this is your unification fight with Dmitry Bivol. Of course, your focus is on January 28, but something somewhere in the corner of your head tells you about the fight with Dmitry Bivol for the title of absolute champion?
– Of course. Of course. I want this fight.
He might have a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, what do you think about that?
– I dont think about it [смеётся].
- Organize it! Holyfield urged to remove obstacles for the fight Beterbiev-Bivol
You have clearly said that you want to fight Bivol if you are successful on January 28th, but there has also been some talk about you and Usyk. You said you want this fight. Is that what you wish for, maybe this year?
No, I didn’t say I want this fight. Because now he’s a heavyweight. I’m a light heavyweight. I’m not even heavy. If I was a heavyweight, yes, I would try to move up to heavyweight for him. But now I’m a light heavyweight and he’s a heavyweight. I don’t think about Usyk, I have enough to do here.
But what if he goes down to heavyweight after the fight with Tyson Fury?
If he goes down to heavyweight?
– Yes.
– When he won four belts, our team offered a fight to his team. I was the IBF champion at the time, and he was the undisputed champion (one division higher). And they didn’t respond to the offer.
– If your fight happens at heavyweight, do you see some problems that you can cause Oleksandr Usyk in the professional ratings?
— [смеётся] I can say – yes, of course, I will try to give him problems.
- “When I beat Beterbiev…” Anthony Yarde on the upcoming fight
– Smart answer. And finally, Arthur, do you have a prediction for your fight against Yarde and your message to the British fans who will be watching?
– I never made predictions for my past fights. And I won’t do it now. This will be a good fight. Come see. I think he will be good.
Will you be looking for a knockout opportunity?
— [смеётся] I will look for good boxing.