A momentous chapter in boxing history is about to unfold. Two of the best in the game—Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol—will meet at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena. The winner will become the new undisputed champion of the division. For the sport to crown a second undisputed champion in a single year is nothing short of a remarkable achievement. Needless to say, whenever a showdown of such mammoth proportions takes place, there’s a strong urge to learn every bit of detail about the fighters.

From their origins and foray into boxing to their past records, the information often helps curious fans gain a comprehensive understanding of their favorite fighter. Both Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are products of the great Soviet boxing traditions. It included grinding through a highly competitive amateur circuit. So let’s dwell on how Artur Beterbiev fared in those years when he took on the might of an ambitious young boxer from Ukraine, Oleksandr Usyk.

When did Artur Beterbiev beat Oleksandr Usyk?

Usyk too would be entering the ring some two months from now. In a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21, he will defend his unified titles. Interestingly, it was on October 12, the same day when Beterbiev and Bivol will square off, that Usyk made his heavyweight debut five years ago. But before he reached boxing’s prima donna division, Usyk conquered the cruiserweight division.

However, the feats followed an outstanding amateur career that culminated in an Olympic gold. Like all true-blooded Eastern European boxers, he had to march through some tough amateur bouts. In many ways, they shaped his professional career as well. But it was during that phase, as he switched between light heavyweight and heavyweight classes, that his path crossed with Artur Beterbiev.

At Baku, Azerbaijan was held the 2011 AIBA World Championships. Here, the two faced off during the quarterfinals. As it turned out, the future world champion from Ukraine won on points (17 to 13). Subsequently, Usyk defeated home favorite Teymur Mammadov to clinch the championship. The win helped him qualify for the 2012 London Olympics as well.

But history repeated itself at the ExCeL Exhibition Center when Oleksandr Usyk and Artur Beterbiev met once again at the quarterfinal. The Ukrainian secured 17 points over Beterbiev’s 15. But it wasn’t really a walk in the park for him. Many still feel that Beterbiev, who had visibly shaken up Usyk, had done enough to merit a win.

Did you know Usyk vs. Beterbiev was a trilogy?

But once we dug deeper, it appears that much before the World Championship and the Olympics, Usyk and Beterbiev met during a lesser-known tournament. Held in Russia’s Kaliningrad, the event called ‘Amber Gloves’ reportedly featured Usyk and Beterbiev in a light heavyweight duel. In their first-ever fight, it was the future light heavyweight unified champion who emerged the winner (12-10).

Speaking with Sky Sports, Artur Beterbiev recalled, “We had another fight too in the amateurs. There was a match [in Russia]. I had fought with him there at 81 kg, and I beat him on the first day [of the tournament]. You know Oleksandr Usyk; he does his job very well. What I can say, good for him.”

Artur Beterbiev’s other amateur losses and overall record

It should be noted that Artur Beterbiev’s overall amateur record might be subject to some contention. With 85 wins and ten losses, BoxRec displays around 106 bouts. However, on the other hand, a piece of ‘GiveMeSport’ mentions around 295 wins against 5 losses. The most prominent losses of his amateur career remain those received at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk. However, Beterbiev suffered defeats to other fighters such as fellow Russian Pavel Nikitaev (2010) and Hungarian Imre Szello (2009). Earlier in 2008, his attempt at an Olympic medal failed when Zhang Xiaoping defeated him 8-2.

Usyk believes Beterbiev will lose!

It’s been over a decade since they last fought. Hence, many may feel that the rivalry between Oleksandr Usyk and Artur Beterbiev must have become a thing of the past. However, Usyk’s response when asked to pick a winner between Beterbiev and Bivol may lead many to question that notion.

It was while he was speaking with Steve Kim and Mario Lopez at the ‘3 Knockdown Rule’ that the unified heavyweight champion shared his choice for the 175-pound division’s next undisputed champion. “I guess Bivol. He has good legs and good movement. I watched the fight with Canelo Alvarez. Good boxing, defending, counter-punching, and combinations,” he said. But considering his sheer prowess in the technical side of boxing, the response shouldn’t be a surprising one either.

But his erstwhile opponent’s views barely perturbed Artur Beterbiev. When asked to respond to Usyk’s assessment, he said, “I don’t know they can say anything. I don’t think. I don’t think about them. You know, like what they say, what they do, I’m all focused on my fight.”

Do you think the attributes that Oleksandr Usyk mentioned about Dmitry Bivol will hold up against a pressure fighter like Artur Beterbiev?