Artur Beterbiev

Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
2kwf9.jpg


Russian amateur boxing star Artur Beterbiev will be making his pro debut on May 25th, at the Bell Centre, in Montreal, Canada, as part of the undercard of the Lucian Bute-vs-Jean Pascal fight. The fight will take place at Light Heavyweight (175 lbs) and the opponent is yet to be named.

Beterbiev was the 2009 World Amateur Boxing Champion at Light Heavyweight, and in 2007 he was the World Amateur Boxing Runnerup. He also competed in the 2012 Olympics representing Russia, losing a very close fight in the second round to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (Usyk won 17-13, close fight). Usyk went on to win the Gold Medal.

Beterbiev has elected to sign with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM Promotions) and will base his career in Montreal, in a similar way to how other Europeans have used Montreal to pursue a pro career like Lucian Bute, Leonard Dorin, and Adrian Diaconu.

I am very excited to hear about this and this is great news! Montreal is a perfect place for Europeans to come and advance their career in the pro's. Boxing is hugely popular in Montreal and many international fighters have had successful careers in Montreal. Lucian Bute came from Romania and has really been quite a success in Montreal, drawing crowds of 15,000+ to all of his fights, becoming a longtime world champion, and making a lot of money doing it.

Beterbiev has an amazing amateur background and could very easily become a world champion or even a P4P level type fighter somewhere down the line. Fighting in Montreal, with GYM, you can be sure he will get very good exposure and be fighting actively. This is great news! Marc Ramsay will be his trainer, and Ramsay is a guy that has been around boxing a long time. Personally I would have preferred Stephane Larouche to be his trainer. But Ramsay is very good as well.

I will be following Beterbiev closely and I really feel this guy will make it big in Montreal and in boxing. Good bet he will become a world champion soon!
 

moose

Guru
Joined
Jul 16, 2005
Messages
406
i believe beterbiev is a chechen, I hope all of the great ukrainian amateur turn pro soon.
 
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
Beterbiev is a very talented fighter with excellent power. He'll likely have a lot of KOs as a pro.

Yes, this is very true. :)

Watching some of his amateur fights on youtube, he clearly has a lot of power and is a big hitter. That should carry over well to pro's.

i believe beterbiev is a chechen, I hope all of the great ukrainian amateur turn pro soon.

Yes Beterbiev is a white, Chechen Muslim, just like 154-lb. champion Zaurbek Baysangurov.

Yes, I would also like to see more Ukrainians and Russians going pro. Beterbiev turning pro is excellent news and I'm so excited (being that I live only a few hours from Montreal, where he will nbe fighting). I hope that more Euros turn pro as well!
 
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
Beterbiev won his pro debut by 2nd round TKO over Christian Cruz.

Beterbiev looked very solid. He is very powerful, pressured, aggressive type fighter (reminds me a little bit of Marco Huck, but with sharper skills, straighter punches, and not as wild). Beterbiev showed an excellent right hand, left hook, and body punching as well, a nice varied attack. I thought he looked great.

His opponent, Christian Cruz, is a guy who's been involved in the Montreal boxing scene for many years. He's not an "easy fight", and actually for a pro debut, I would have expected an easier opponent for Beterbiev. Cruz is not a bum, in fact, a few years ago, he went 10 rounds with Jean Pascal, and I remember Cruz giving Jean Pascal a very tough fight. Cruz also went 12 rounds with Lucian Bute in 2005 before being stopped. Cruz has also lost decisions to well known fighters like Karo Murat.

So all in all, I think this is a very impressive pro debut from Beterbiev! He looked amazing in knocking out a veteran journeyman.

That right hand, left hook, and body punching is lethal from Beterbiev.


Thanks for posting, here is an embedded version as well;

[video=youtube;WoYnwRkQliE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoYnwRkQliE[/video]
 
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
Here is the video of Beterbiev's TKO win from last night, against Rayco Saunders:

[video=youtube;MPC6JXDMT-8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPC6JXDMT-8[/video]

From watching Beterbiev's fights its obvious he has heavy hands and hits very hard. Most of his powershots tend to be looping hooks, and he also sticks a constant jab to setup the powershots. Also, seems to throw in combinations, sometimes 3 or 4 punches at a time (especially against the ropes). Goes to the body and head well and you know those punches hurt!

Rayco Saunders has been a professional boxer for more than 10 years, has 46 pro fights, and this is only the 2nd time he has ever been knocked out in a fight (The other KO loss occurring way back in 2003, when he was just starting out as a boxer). Saunders has fought solid guys like Edison Miranda, Ismayl Sillakh, Isaac Chilemba, Sean Monaghan, Peter Manfredo Jr, Chris Henry, Danny Santiago, and Emmanuel Nwodo and went the distance with all of them, but here in just 2 pro fights, Artur Beterbiev has stopped him when all those other guys couldn't!

Great fight from Artur. Artur dropped Saunders 3 times. And wow, that last knockdown in round 3 just before the round ends was very bad, Im surprised that Saunders got up. His ref or corner should have threw in the towel right there.

Good decision to stop the fight because this guy was taking too much punishment. Probably should have even been stopped a bit earlier.
 
Last edited:

werewolf

Hall of Famer
Joined
May 6, 2011
Messages
5,997
This guy is sensational. I think he could have a go at the championship right now, after just two pro fights.
 

Charles Martel

Hall of Famer
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
8,484
Here's another nice KO by Beterbiev in the amateurs, over American Nation of Islam member Siju Shabazz (go to 7:40):

[video=youtube;4lNmAo1kinY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4lNmAo1kinY[/video]
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jun 18, 2011
Messages
131
Watching this fight, Saunders seems like a fairly game opponent and it's impressive that this is only Beterbiev's second pro fight. We all know how different the pros can be from amateur. It seems funny to me how a lot of fighters turning pro now will fight upwards of 5 or 6 absolute bums before stepping up and fighting someone who is game. I remember about a year ago I watched a card that was mostly black American olympians turning pro and the fighters they were facing literally looked like guys off the street with no experience whatsoever. It was a complete joke and wasn't even entertaining. I've always hated the padded records in boxing. Back to Beterbiev, he has good head movement and seems to time his shots well. He will undoubtedly be a very good and successful pro!
 

Charles Martel

Hall of Famer
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
8,484
Looks like Beterbiev will likely return on the Bellew-Stevenson, Kovalev-Sillakh card on Nov 30.
 
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
Man, I'm seriously thinking of taking the drive up to Quebec City to watch this fight live on November 30. From Toronto, driving to Quebec City is like a 10 Hour Drive (Montreal is 6), so its totally doable. Plus, I'd spend the weekend there and Quebec City is beautiful.

I'm a *huge* fan of Sergey Kovalev so would love to check the fight out live to see him in action (no doubt KOing Ismayl Sillakh)! Kevin Bizier and David Lemieux are also on the card and I'm a supporter of both, so would love to see them fight as well. According to BoxRec, Artur Beterbiev is not on the card, but with the fight being a month away that could easily change. I hope so cause I`m a *huge* fan of Beterbiev and would love to see him in action.

Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew are also fighting on the card, and I'm not really a fan of either guy, but it should be a decent scrap. Seems like a worthwhile card. In fact, seems like a great card with some very solid names in action. I think I`ll try and make the trip up!
 

Charles Martel

Hall of Famer
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
8,484
Beterbiev will face veteran Billy Bailey on Nov 30.

What a great boxing card:

Bellew-Stevenson
Kovalev-Sillakh
Beterbiev-Bailey
Dinu-Harper
Zewski-Davis
Bizier-Jo Jo Dan
Lemieux-Torres

Anyone who believes Max Kellerman's racist propaganda that white men are less athletic than negroes should watch Zewski, Dinu and Beterbiev.
 

Charles Martel

Hall of Famer
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
8,484
Beterbiev defeated Bailey by TKO 1 today. I hope they can find a better opponent for Beterbiev next time out. It doesn't really do his pro career any good to fight guys like Bailey.

[video=youtube;t3FOO8aP_4o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=t3FOO8aP_4o[/video]
 
Last edited:

TBProdigy

Guru
Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
346
Beterbiev defeated Bailey with three knockdowns in the first round (3 knockdowns mean a TKO by Quebec rules) today. I hope they can find a better opponent for Beterbiev next time out. It doesn't really do his pro career any good to fight guys like Bailey.

[video=youtube;t3FOO8aP_4o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=t3FOO8aP_4o[/video]

Thanks for all the streams, videos and information you bring to this forum Carcharias, I utilize it all but I rarely post so show my gratitude. I think everyone on this forum appreciates your contributions
 

Westside

Hall of Famer
Joined
Sep 23, 2008
Messages
7,703
Location
So Cal
Thanks for all the streams, videos and information you bring to this forum Carcharias, I utilize it all but I rarely post so show my gratitude. I think everyone on this forum appreciates your contributions
I agree. Carcharias is the Don Wassal of the Boxing forum. He is a great asset to this influential site.
 
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
Thanks for all the streams, videos and information you bring to this forum Carcharias, I utilize it all but I rarely post so show my gratitude. I think everyone on this forum appreciates your contributions

Great comments you make and I fully agree. I also thank Carcharias for his valuable input to this site.

Carcharias deserves a big thanks from us all for his contributions at this site, particularly in the boxing section. His posts are always concise, informative, and as objective as possible.
 

Charles Martel

Hall of Famer
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
8,484
Artur Beterbiev interview from The Ring Website

Anson Wainwright: Tell us about your fight on the undercard of Bute-Pascal against Gabriel Lecrosnier.

Artur Beterbiev: I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great day for boxing in Canada.

AW: You haven't wasted any time in the pro ranks. While you've fought journeymen, they're durable types that you have impressively stopped. What are your thoughts on your fights to date?

AB: It’s important that I fight to the best of my ability and capability. As a professional, I cannot think any differently. Each challenge is unique and I take them all seriously with the best level of dedication and commitment I can.

AW: How do you feel you've been able to adapt to the pros so far? What is the biggest difference for you?

AB: Amateur and professional boxing have lots in common but are different at the same time. In an amateur bout, knockouts are accidental. In professional boxing they are very common. Professional boxing is more aggressive, traumatic and dramatic as well. It’s hard work, dedication and victory at any price.

AW: What can we expect from you in 2014? Are you looking to move quickly?

AB: Personal growth is very important for me as an athlete, friend, parent or human being. There is always something to learn and something to achieve in this life. I look for progress in everything. For as long as I can box, you can expect my very best in training and performing. This approach, of course, will take me on the path to becoming the next world champion.

AW: If I can take you back you were born in Khasavyurt, Russia, can you tell us a little about your early years there?

AB: I came from a family of four children and I was the youngest one. I am very close with my brothers who have always supported me and now they are my biggest fans. Thanks to their support I have lots of good memories of my childhood. Even during the War in Chechnya, when times were tough, they were always there for me. To keep me away from the streets when I was ten years old, my brothers brought me to my first boxing gym. I will always remember that day, since then, me and boxing are inseparable.

AW: You had a tremendous amateur career, winning silver at the 2007 World Championships before coming back to win the gold in 2009. You're also a two-time European champion. Can you tell us about your Olympic experiences?

AB: Winning gold in 2009 was the most memorable and dear to me. As for the Olympic Games, I was very stubborn and Olympic judges were stubborn about me. I don't regret anything. It was a great experience.

AW: After the London Games you signed with Yvon Michel and relocated to Canada. That's a big move. How did this come to happen? Could you also tell us about the other members of your team, manager, trainer and what gym you train at?

AB: It’s true it was a big move for me. When I decided to turn professional, I received many offers from different promoters. For me it wasn't the matter of money, it was a matter of a good team. I'm very happy to deal with Yvon Michel, Marc Ramsey and my manager, Anna Reva. Besides being very professional, they are my good friends.

AW: As an amateur you hold a win over current WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. You outpointed him. This looks particularly impressive today in light of his recent form. Can you tell us about that fight?

AB: When I fought Sergey Kovalev in semi-finals (of the Russian national championship), my heart was already set on the fight with the captain of the Russian team, Makarenko, in finals. My goal was set at that time. I had to beat Makarenko and to do that had to defeat Kovalev, which I did (smiles).

AW: What are your thoughts on the light heavyweight division and the current champions?

AB: I have lots of respect to all of them. It’s very hard to become champion. They deserve it.

AW: What are your goals now as a professional boxer?

AB: My goals are to continue fighting in a way that delivers my ambitions and gives fans what they come to see.

AW: What do you enjoy doing away from boxing?

AB: I’m blessed to have a family – my beloved wife and two children – and all my free time I spend with them. I also like to go to the cinema and watch movies.

AW: In closing what would you say to the light heavyweight division?

AB: I like my weight category. There are lots of great opponents, therefore, good opportunities to use boxing technique and skills. There is also lots to learn.
 

werewolf

Hall of Famer
Joined
May 6, 2011
Messages
5,997
He's already got a much more interesting fight scheduled for next month with Tavoris Cloud, who has been in with some of the top fighters in the division - and this after only five fights! Boxrec rates Cloud #2 in the USSA.
 
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
1,434
Location
Calgary, Canada
Wow, super interesting fight on our hands this Saturday! My thoughts on Beterbiev/Cloud;

Artur Beterbiev, 5-0 (5 KO) is taking on recently-former world champion Tavoris Cloud (24-2, 19 KO). It's not very often you see such an inexperienced pro taking on a former world champ in only his 6th pro fight. Cloud last held the IBF 175 lb. title back in 2013, and fought notable HBO-broadcasted fights against Bernard Hopkins, Adonis Stevenson, Gabe Campillo, Yusaf Mack, Glen Johnson, and Clinton Woods, some of the bigger names in the weight class in the last 5 years or so.

So, Cloud's experienced at the professional level, he's been around and then some.

I'm generally not a fan of rushing prospects in pro boxing, because in my opinion it usually doesn't benefit the prospect at all, even if they are accomplished amateurs rushing a prospect in the pro's can sometimes destroy their career. For example, in the thread on Vasyl Lomachenko, I correctly predicted he would lose to Orlando Salido in his first titlefight. Of course in his next fight, only his 3rd pro fight, Vasyl won the title against Gary Russell Jr and now seems set to become a major player in the sport. However, if Vasyl had more developmental fights before his fight with Salido, he no doubt would have won that fight much easier, perhaps even by stoppage. This is why it generally takes 10-20 fights before a boxer is ready to fight for a world title.

In the case of Beterbiev/Cloud, I'll be honest, I've never thought Cloud was any good. He won a title because he was matched easy (typical American route), and the moment he fought quality opponents he lost. Some of Cloud's "wins" were in actuality robberies where he benefitted from home-nation judging. I remember watching Campillo outbox him in almost every round, yet the judges gave Cloud the fight. Cloud's easy to hit, he's not very fast, he's not particularly intelligent or tricky, and he doesn't hit really hard. The only advantage he has over Beterbiev is that he's more experienced at the pro level and arguably has fought better opposition. But when you take into account amateur experience, you could argue that Beterbiev is actually the more experienced of the two, and has fought as good if not better opposition.

Beterbiev seems to hit very, very, very hard and quite frankly Cloud is not very solid defensively. The only unknowns we have about Beterbiev is his chin and stamina. I don't think Cloud will test his chin, but if the fight goes long it may well test Artur's stamina and pacing. It always is risky when a new pro fights an experienced pro, and Beterbiev probably should have went at least 8 rounds once before this fight, but all that being said I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Beterbiev knock Cloud spark out. He hits hard, probably as hard as Stevenson maybe even harder, and Cloud is coming off a TKO loss.

Prediction: Beterbiev knocks Cloud spark out (I will admit there is something of an upset probability if the fight goes late and Beterbiev runs out of gas though).
 
Last edited:
Top