In 2024, Artur Beterbiev and Oleksandr Usyk created history by becoming the first undisputed light heavyweight and undisputed heavyweight champions in the four-belt era. Coincidentally, both fighters won their undisputed championship in Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Usyk defeated undefeated Tyson Fury via a split decision. On the other hand, Beterbiev also conquered an undefeated force in Dmitry Bivol via the majority decision.

However, this is not the first time their careers have intertwined. They have a connection with each other that has kept them together since their amateur days. Before turning pro and putting up some of the best fights the world has ever seen, the duo faced each other thrice. On Friday, Notjustboxing’s Instagram page posted highlights of Beterbiev vs. Usyk’s final clash to send the fans down nostalgia lane.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Decorated amateurs to decorated pros

‘Not Just Boxing’ shared an edit of the two boxing greats after winning their undisputed titles, followed by the match highlights. The caption read, “Usyk vs. Beterbiev in the amateurs was a crazy fight! From amateur rivals to both being undisputed 👑,” showing how far they have come.

The duo faced each other for the first time in Russia. Artur Beterbiev, who was representing Russia, won the fight via a controversial decision(10-12), as fans and experts stated that the 39-year-old got home advantage and favored scoring. Their second match happened during the 2011 AIBA World Championships, where Oleksandr Usyk avenged his first loss. It was an intense fight in which the Ukrainian came back after getting floored courtesy of a heavy body shot from Beterbiev.

‘Not just boxing’ shared highlights of the third match when these two met at the 2012 London Olympics. Considered one of the best boxing matches at the Summer Games, the two tore each other apart at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in Canning Town, as the crowd watched in awe. After three gruesome rounds, the judges declared Oleksandr Usyk the winner with a score of 17-13.

The highlights sent the fans down memory lane as they started fantasizing about one last match between the two.

Fans want a fourth and final one

Steven Cunningham, another boxing veteran who has successfully knocked down Tyson Fury, commented on the post, “🔥🔥🔥🔥,” proving how intense and technically astounding the final clash between these two was.

A fan wrote, “Great Champion’s 👏👏,” while praising the show they two put on at the Olympics. Furthermore, these two truly have been great champions and have been undefeated so far in their professional career. While Usyk has become an undisputed champion in two divisions, Beterbiev has won 20 out of 21 fights via knockouts, showcasing unreal domination. 

Another fan wrote, “Why different weights now?” wondering why these two compete at different divisions now. While there is no confirmed source stating the reason, Artur Beterbiev switched his division immediately after the 2012 clash between these two. He made his pro-debut at the cruiserweight division and later dropped further down to light heavyweight.

Another fan, mesmerized by their power, wrote, “The power to scare the top amateurs away is definitely a shocking.” The power that these two hold in their punches is truly unbelievable. Especially Artur Beterbiev who has won 95% of his fights via knockout.

Another fan, desperate to see the two fight again, wrote, “They should fight again in cruiserweight.” It is quite evident that these two won’t fight each other at their respective weights and risk losing their titles. So, the fan wants them to fight a non-championship match at cruiserweight, maybe just for kicks.

While the idea seems nice, it is quite impossible at the moment. Artur Beterbiev is 39 at the moment and will face Dmitry Bivol in March 2025 in a highly anticipated rematch. Oleksandr Usyk is also getting ready to defend his title against Tyson Fury later this month. If both of them retain their titles, we can bid farewell to the idea of this match. However, if they fail to retain, then we might have a very long shot.

What do you think about Oleksandr Usyk vs. Artur Beterbiev? Let us know your thoughts down below.