WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol are just hours away from their highly anticipated clash for the undisputed title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But in the lead-up to this historic showdown, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has stirred the pot, injecting some extra drama into the narrative.

According to a report from talkSport, although this will be the first time these undefeated Russian fighters meet professionally, they’ve already shared the ring during their amateur days, training in Russia’s national boxing program. Meanwhile, in true Hearn fashion, he spiced things up by claiming that Beterbiev once ‘stole Bivol’s lunch,’ adding fuel to the rivalry.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol: Backstory

In an interview with TNT Sports, British commentator Steve Bunce shared a conversation he had with Bivol, where the WBA champion admitted that he looked up to Beterbiev during their time on the Russian national boxing squad. Beterbiev, who is six years older, was already an established force in the light heavyweight division by the time Bivol entered the senior ranks as a middleweight.

During his amateur career, Beterbiev claimed two European Championships and a World Championship, solidifying his reputation as one of the best amateurs in the world. However, despite his success, he fell short in his two Olympic attempts. It’s easy to imagine how Beterbiev’s achievements must have left a strong impression on the younger Bivol, who was just beginning to make his mark on the sport.

Regardless, Bunce continued—when he spoke to Beterbiev about the admiration from Bivol, he didn’t remember it. This quickly prompted Hearn to say, “Let’s add some elements to the story… I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, but I actually heard that when they were on a training camp for Russian boxing, Beterbiev nicked Bivol’s lunch at one point…”

While the authenticity of the incident can’t be proven, fans had already labeled Hearn a liar in the comment section. 

Eddie Hearn gets dunked on by fans

After a clip of this interview was shared on Instagram, people quickly started pouring in to share their two cents on the matter. One user explained why people hate the English promoter. The user wrote, “Now I get it, why do people hate Eddie so much, I understand now.” However, Hearn is most likely trying to just hype up the fight. 

Another user highlighted not a word out of Hearn’s mouth can be trusted. “He’s trying to be funny. But obviously we can’t trust much that Hearn puts out there,” the user commented. Unless Bivol or Beterbiev confirm Hearn’s assertion—this will continue to be a rumor. 

The next user seems to have been agitated with Hearn stirring up the pot. “What a tool he is. Absolute bell end,” wrote the user. Notably, Hearn and Artur Beterbiev also exchanged some niceties during the final press conference for the fight. 

Someone else was impressed with the way Hearn can weave stories. “@eddiehearn the way this comes of the tongue so quick is genuinely incredible 😂,” the user wrote. Well, he speaks to the media regularly, so it shouldn’t really be a surprise. 

Meanwhile, this user wasn’t having any of it. “Biggest cap ever,” the user commented. Hearn’s boxers have been losing quite a bit to Frank Warren’s fighters—it could be a result of all the frustration. 

That said, true or not, Eddie Hearn has added another layer of intrigue as the first undisputed light heavyweight champion is about to emerge since Roy Jones Jr. in 1999. Share your predictions for the fight.