Athletistic/ Boxing. Undefeated boxer, WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev has admitted to receiving Canadian citizenship shortly before the fight against American Joe Smith Jr.
“I have been in boxing for over 28 years, and for most of my career I have been and remain a Russian boxer. Only once was I forced to compete under another flag. “There’s been no talk to go out there and hang out with the Russian flag. They might block me, not give fights,” and if that drags, then void the titles. Just before the fight with Smith, they gave me a Canadian passport. In fact, I think I was lucky, otherwise I might not have had this opportunity,” Beterbiev said.
For the fight with Joe Smith Jr., which took place on June 18, 2022, the Russian Beterbiev came out for the first time in his career not under the flag of Russia. After the fight, Arthur admitted it was a necessary measure and later went into detail about why he cashed in on combat status from Canada.
Arthur defeated Smith Jr. by knockout in the second round, bringing his number of professional boxing victories to 18. Beterbiev did not suffer any defeats, and not once was a draw recorded in fights with his participation. The Russian has won all of his victories by knockout.
Source: Sport
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