One of boxing’s most feared knockout artist once revealed that he doesn’t actually like hitting his opponents, and is not a fan of the sport in general.
Russian powerhouse Artur Beterbiev has established himself as one of the most destructive punchers in boxing over the course of his professional career, racking up 20 consecutive knockout victories between 2013 and 2024.
The 40-year-old has defeated the likes of Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Anthony Yarde, Marcus Browne and Callum Smith during his tenure, but the most memorable win of his career came in October 2024 when he outpointed countryman Dmitry Bivol to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion – his first distance fight.
Beterbiev was beaten by Bivol in their rematch back in February. It has been suggested that the Russian duo will lock horns for a third and final time in the new year, though frustrations are mounting due to delays.
Despite being one of the most formidable punchers on the planet, Beterbiev revealed in an interview with Bloody Knockout ahead of his rematch with Bivol that he ‘doesn’t like hitting people’ in a surprising admission.
“I don’t like it. I don’t like hitting people, even in boxing. It’s like my job. I don’t think about it. I appreciate my fans who are rooting for me but […] I need to do my job.”
Beterbiev was scheduled to make his long-awaited return to boxing against America’s Deon Nicholson in Riyadh on November 22, but their non-title bout was cancelled for reasons that were not made clear.
Fans will be hoping that Beterbiev and Bivol can come to an agreement on a trilogy clash in 2026, as they look to close the chapter on their bitter rivalry.
