Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed lightweight champion with a terrifying record of 21-0 and 20 knockouts to his name, has breathlessly admitted that he is not set with Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated king of the heavyweight division. In an interview with Fight Hub on January 13, Beterbiev confessed: “There will be no fight with Usyk. He is too strong for me.” At least it’s honest, huh?
Beterbiev made it clear in an interview with Fight Hub TV that the step up to heavyweight to face Usyk is not on his to-do list. “If he comes back in my division, then I will fight. But not at heavyweight. Cruiserweight? No. Too strong, too good.” Well, that’s one way to dodge a beat.
The pair have history, having met three times in the amateur ranks. Usyk came out on top twice, and it seems those memories are still fresh for Beterbiev. I can’t say I blame him for wanting no part of the man who just schooled Tyson Fury.
Speaking of Fury, Beterbiev had some thoughts on that as well. “Fury fought well. I feel a little sad that there are no big names in heavyweight now. I mean, real legends like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson. Right now, Usyk and Fury are the best in this class of weight”. Translation: Heavyweight is a bit of a snooze party these days, except for Usyk and Fury.
To be fair, Beterbiev’s honesty is a rare thing in boxing. Most fighters would have given a canned line to “consider all options” or “test yourself against the best”. Instead, Beterbiev basically says: “Nah, friend. I’ll stop in my own way.”
