“My Dad Was Always Against Boxing”: Artur Beterbiev Opens Up About Personal Challenges

It’s been over a decade since Artur Beterbiev turned professional. Over the years, the Russian-Canadian boxer has built a formidable reputation as one of the most feared fighters on the planet. Like many, his path to eminence wasn’t a bed of roses. Instead, he had to navigate through challenges right at home.

Come June 1, 39-year-old Artur Beterbiev is going to give his all to become the first undisputed light heavyweight champion in 25 years. Legend Roy Jones Jr. held the honors last year, in 1999. Beterbiev will meet archrival Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to settle the long-pending quandary. Undoubtedly, reaching the level where he is now is an achievement in itself. But, as the unified light heavyweight champion recalled, first he had to overcome time-honored beliefs.

Gloves over Books: Artur Beterbiev

Boxing Kingdom shared a clip early today. They tweeted, “Artur Beterbiev revealed his father was always against him boxing.” In the footage, the Montreal-based light heavyweight could be seen discussing his childhood days. Artur Beterbiev explained how his father wasn’t too welcoming of his decision to enter the ring: “My dad was always against boxing.” The only thing that he expected from the future world champion was to excel in his studies. “He wanted me to study,” said Beterbiev.

Then he shared how his parents’ generation expected their children to follow conventional norms. The kids were expected to complete school and go for higher studies at the universities to carve out a future. The undefeated light heavyweight champion said, “At that time, our parents, their generation, they all wanted to that children learn and graduated University so they have a future. Confidently looking towards the future.”

Comments on the post are few. But one of the users did point out, “Would love to know what his dad thinks now! His son is an animal! Great fighter.”

A glowing legacy that can still soar to greater heights

After an outstanding amateur career that saw him win two European Championships, a gold and silver medal at the World Championships, and many more accolades, Artur Beterbiev switched to professional boxing in 2013. The very next year, he took home his first title and defended it for the next two years.

Finally, his turn to stake a claim at a world title came on November 11, 2017. He defeated Enrico Kolling to secure the IBF light heavyweight title, left vacant subsequent to Andre Ward‘s retirement. Making a move at title unification, he defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk on October 18, 2019, and added the WBC belt to his kitty. Three years later, the WBO title joined the list.

Since becoming the unified champion, he first defeated Anthony Yarde in January last year. A year later, he followed it up with a thumping victory over Callum Smith in front of a home crowd in Canada. Now fans are eagerly looking forward to the epic against masterful tactician Dmitry Bivol.

Read More: “Freak of Nature”: Artur Beterbiev’s Impressive “Flying Through the Air” Workout Leaves Fans Wanting More

Between Bivol and Beterbiev, who is your pick for the win on June 1? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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