Artur Beterbiev has received the leader of Chechnya’s support throughout his career.
IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight boxing champion Artur Beterbiev has discussed the assistance Ramzan Kadyrov has given him.
The 37-year-old just experienced may be the most remarkable victory of his career at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York.
Beterbiev extended his 18-0 career finish record to 100 percent after destroying Joe Smith Jr. in just two rounds in front of the American’s home fans. Smith was stripped of his WBO title.
Beterbiev was asked about the support from Ramzan Kadyrov, which is still strong despite Beterbiev leaving to Montreal, Canada, a decade ago, during a lengthy interview with Championat in Russia.
When asked how their connection began, Beterbiev said that Kadyrov, who also supports UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev, first saw him at a youth amateur competition in the Chechen town of Gudermes when Kadyrov was already connected to the boxing federation.
“You will become an Olympic champion, I see potential in you,” Kadyrov told Beterbiev after he had “three or four” early victories in the event.
Even though Beterbiev fell to eventual local boxer Zhang Xiaoping in the round of 16 at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Kadyrov’s forecast for him didn’t come true, but it was later shown that Beterbiev had the talent to compete at the highest levels.
Beterbiev recalled that he had told him, “Artur, I will support you with everything I can, but you must box in the ring,” when he was still young.
“I believe that these are extremely accurate words. I then try boxing. Although a lot has changed since then and he now holds a very serious position of power, he has remained the same empathetic person who is always available to you.
“He may offer support and assistance when needed. He is highly supportive of our soldiers, especially those who represent the Chechen Republic, and he loves athletics “Betterbiev continued.
Beterbiev revealed that he also spoke to Kadyrov about the situation as the Russian Boxing Federation and the leadership of the Chechen Republic were always kept informed. Beterbiev recently competed under the Canadian flag even though Russian fighters are currently permitted to compete under the neutral status.
Beterbiev enquired about their advice and stated that both parties were in favor of him but cautioned him against “getting into politics.”
The goal is to triumph, Beterbiev emphasized. I was pleasantly pleased with the outpouring of support.
“They might turn around and speak. But a lot of armchair experts talk.”
Beterbiev acknowledged receiving a BMW lately from the Russian Boxing Federation and its president, Umar Kremlev, which he believes “would be useful.”
He continued, “It is quite wonderful when people from the boxing organization support such attention.”
When asked who he would like to fight next, Beterbiev responded that a matchup with WBA champion Dmitry Bivol to determine the first-ever undisputed light heavyweight champion in the four-belt era is a “priority.”
But it won’t happen unless there is a shared desire from both sides to see it through.
He said, “This question is open now; it can be answered whenever there is a desire.
“I’ve got it. You need to look over there on the other side. I’ve already engaged in two unification battles. If the opposing side had not wanted to box with me, they would not have taken place. These battles occurred as a result of the risk they took. Here, it’s the same. If a person is sincere, they can achieve their goals “Betterbiev continued.
Beterbiev might first have to face mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde in London before facing Bivol, though.
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