“Still Don’t Understand Where That Ridiculous Power Comes From”: Artur Beterbiev Stunning Oleksandr Usyk During 2011 Fight Leaves Fans Amused

We’re just a few moments away from Artur Beterbiev, taking on perhaps his toughest opponent yet. As his fans await his ring walk against Callum Smith, visuals of him fighting one of the best fighters of the current era, Oleksandr Usyk have surfaced, leaving fans jaw-dropped.

Russo-Canadian Beterbiev is one of those rare fighters of this generation whose power even the best of them fear. All 19 opponents that he left in no state to hear the final gong of their fights can attest to his power.  However, this prowess of his is not limited to just his pro days. His amateur stints also boast of it. Ask the current undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk and he’ll tell you.

Artur Beterbiev – Continuing his Dominance from Amateur to Professional

106 stellar bouts, 96 brilliant victories, 37 illustrious knockouts, and a mere 10 losses. That’s the profile the 28-year-old Beterbiev came in with, for his professional debut. In 2011, Beterbiev went against an amateur Usyk at the 2011 AIBA World Championships Quarter-Final. While he lost the bout on points in Baku that day, he did make sure to leave some scathes on his opponent. In footage shared by Boxing Kingdom on its X account, the young Beterbiev, who fought for Russia, decked in red gear, took a slipping right jab at his 6ft-tall opponent fighting for Ukraine. The cut dazed Usyk until he recuperated and went on to claim victory.

While the Ukrainian fighter won the finale, defeating Teymur Mammadov 25-15, it was not the first time Beterbiev and Usyk fought each other. In the 2007 Amber Gloves, Russia vs. Ukraine tournament, Beterbiev defeated Usyk 12-10. Later on, right before he turned pro, Beterbiev to his heavyweight counterpart at the 2012 London Olympic Games Quarter-Final.

That’s the history of Beterbiev and Usyk’s tête-à-tête in the amateur ring. Let’s see what the fans have to say about Beterbiev’s power that earned him some moments of glory against Oleksandr Usyk.

Victor despite the Loss

Artur Beterbiev has continued the glories of his amateur days into his pro-era too. One fan estimated that his power when he fights Smith tonight and Canelo Álvarez in the future, could potentially be formidable for them as well.

Beterbiev is a super lightweight fighter. However, he still holds the caliber to defeat some of the biggest fighters of today. That’s really what his opponents should worry about, according to another user.

Some might even compare Beterbiev’s skills to that of Roy Jones Jr., a fighter who showed Julio Cesar Gonzalez and Derrick Harmon the face of defeat. One fan did so while cutting Usyk some slack.

Another fan predicted what would happen if the fighters did not use any safety gear for the clash, especially Oleksandr Usyk.

A fan pondered whether, in a hypothetical scenario, another heavyweight champion like the WBC titlist, Tyson Fury, fighting Beterbiev might lead to a fate similar to that of the former’s upcoming opponent, Usyk.

Since that day in the amateur ring, Usyk and Beterbiev have gone their separate ways to dominate their respective weight classes. Today, both of them stand on the brink of the biggest fights of their careers. For the Quebec-based fighter, tonight his match with Callum Smith awaits him. In February, Usyk will face Tyson Fury in a historic unification bout. The outcome of this bout will determine the next reigning heavyweight champion with four belts, a feat not achieved since 1999.

Also Read: “He’s Not Invincible”: Unfazed by His Terrifying Power, Callum Smith Vows to “Hurt” Artur Beterbiev

Who do you think would overpower the other fighter today- Oleksandr Usyk or Artur Beterbiev? Let us know in the comments below.

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