Promoter of Canadian unified WBO/IBF/WBC light heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg) Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) from Canada Bob Arum (Top Rank Promotions) gave
interview for the British media.
The functionary spoke about the next defense of his fighter, which will take place in London on January 28 against local challenger Anthony Yarde (23-2, 22 KOs). Arum also outlined the framework for organizing the fight for the title of absolute division champion against WBA “super champion” Russian Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs).
– I’m looking forward to the fight between Beterbiev and Yard, but how are you?
– Of course. There are two guys who really know how to hit, how to fight. They are two brave fighters. What could be better? This is what boxing is about. If this fight comes to a decision, I’ll be shocked. Whichever way the fight goes, the winner will win by knockout.
– How would you rate Artur Beterbiev compared to other light heavyweights in history?
“The truth is, I’ve never seen a light heavyweight hit like Artur Beterbiev. I have never seen such amazing power in a 79.4 kg fighter. Never. Including Conte, Bob Foster, who could hit. I have never seen anything like it. And Yard is a hell of a puncher. These guys would be competitive with any light heavyweight in history.
– Since you mentioned Anthony Yarde, a few years ago he lost to Sergey Kovalev in Chelyabinsk. How much do you know him? What threat does he pose to Arthur?
– Big threat. When you go to a foreign country for a fight, for example, to Russia, it is very difficult to acclimatize. And it seems to me that he had a problem with acclimatization. He could knock out Kovalev, but Kovalev survived and ended the fight with an early victory over Yarde. I wouldn’t take that fight too much into account because it was a weird environment for Yard. I think Yard in his hometown of London will do a much better fight with Beterbiev than he did with Kovalev.
– Beterbiev is your fighter, and as a promoter you must look to the future. Many boxing fans want to see the fight for the title of absolute champion against Dmitry Bivol. How about this? I was at the WBC Congress and Mauricio Sulaiman said that Callum Smith, the mandatory WBC challenger, would be next for Arthur after the Yard fight. What can you tell me about this?
– This is good. I think Callum Smith is a good fighter. And after going through this fight with Yard, why not go against Smith. If the fight with Bivol takes place, then it will not be until the end of next year. Because it seems to me that Bivol is looking for a rematch with Canelo, which will be much more profitable for him.
I appreciate that you are looking far ahead, but how will the broadcasters look at this fight? Artur boxing on ESPN, Bivol boxing on DAZN, what about the political side of that?
“As you said, it’s far ahead. We’ll fix it. There is no reason why this cannot be agreed upon. I will not let any problems with the TV networks prevent a duel that should take place. But that’s for tomorrow. Today I don’t have that problem. I don’t have that problem with Callum Smith. So I’m for it.
– How will the duel between Beterbiev and Yard end on January 28?
– By knockout. Knockout in eight rounds. I think my boyfriend will get a hand up, but Yard has a huge chance.
- “Even if I beat Usyk, I don’t want to talk about it.” Beterbiev’s interview