For most boxers, legends of the sport like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali are the prime source of inspiration and motivation. However, that’s not entirely the case for Artur Beterbiev, who does like them. But, his source of motivation lies somewhere else! With a current knockout ratio of a hundred percent, the Khasavyurt, Russia-born light heavyweight, is the nightmare most boxers try to avoid. But the question is what gets him going?

The Montreal resident is about to enter the ring against Callum Smith on 13 January in Centre Vidéotron, Quebec City, Canada. However, before his fight on the weekend, the 5’ 11/2’ boxer reveals what motivates him more than Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali. 

Artur Beterbiev likes the Olympics

Today, the Russian national shared a story on his Instagram account, which was a snippet of an interview. In it, Beterbiev admitted to the host, “I like two boxers, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.” He went on to reveal that despite admiring the legends, he doesn’t follow their boxing style or lifestyle. “But I’m not follow[ing] them, even for life or boxing style. But I just like them in boxing,” said Beterbiev.

Later in the video, the undefeated boxer revealed what motivates him to become the best in the sport of boxing. “More motivation for me — when I watch [the] Olympic game. When I was very young, that time is…and I want to go Olympics,” said Beterbiev.

Looking at the light heavyweight you may not think that the Olympics is where he gets his kicks from, but hey, whatever fuels you to knock out 19 opponents is good. As he gets ready to take the next step in his career towards a unification match with Dmitry Bivol, a mountain named Callum Smith stands in his way, ready to take his belts.

Callum Smith on facing Beterbiev

The Russin light heavyweight currently holds the IBF, WBC, and WBA titles, and all of them are on the line in his upcoming fight against Callum Smith. In an interview from not too long ago, ‘Mundo’ Smith had claimed that he had what it takes to put an end to Beterbiev’s carnage in the division. 

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for nearly two years now,” Smith told Matchroom Boxing. Smith claimed that he just wanted to get inside the ring with Beterbiev, whom he respected and acknowledged for his achievements. Smith went on to explain, “I had the style to beat him. I like my chances in this fight…I definitely [feel] more comfortable to go over there and take his belts off him.”

Also Read: Despite Being Undefeated World Champion With 100% KO Ratio, Joe Rogan Backed “Terrifying” Boxer Says “I’m Not There Yet”

With just two days left in his upcoming fight, Beterbiev revealed his goal of fighting in the Olympics is what motivates him. However, can the knockout artist overcome Callum Smith? What do you think about Beterbiev’s source of motivation? 

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