Beterbiev Scares Hearn – ‘You Want To Fight, I Can Do Something’

October 11, 2024
3 weeks
Beterbiev Scares Hearn - 'You Want To Fight, I Can Do Something'

Artur Beterbiev responded to Eddie Hearn’s comments about calling him arrogant, as the Matchroom Boxing promoter went on the defensive. 

Beterbiev boxes Dmitry Bivol on Saturday for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. He defends his WBC, WBA, and IBF Light Heavyweight Titles, knowing that a victory will give him the missing WBA title. Hearn works closely with Bivol. He has seen him in some of his biggest fights, namely against Canelo Alvarez. During the build-up for the Beterbiev fight, Hearn referred to the boxer as arrogant.

This was a dangerous thing to do, especially since Beterbiev is a knockout artist. He has a 20-0 record and stopped Callum Smith in his last fight to set up the Bivol bout. Beterbiev does not need any extra motivation to beat Bivol, given that it is the biggest fight of his life. However, Hearn instigated things. The promoter was asked about his prior comments at the presser, forcing him to respond. Hearn distanced himself from the comments, stating that he could not recall what he had said. 

Hearn Reacts

“Did I say that? I can’t remember. I think he is arrogant, I think all fighters are arrogant. I think you have to be arrogant. But it was more of a frustration to make sure the world is aware of what this fight is and what it means. And sometimes one-word answers don’t always tell me the pure emotion and meaning of what victory would do for them on Saturday night. Artur Beterbiev is one of the greatest fighters of our generation, and [Bivol] is one of the purest boxers I’ve ever seen,” Hearn said

However, when Beterbiev got the microphone, Hearn’s attitude changed. The boxer called out the promoter for talking too much, while Hearn tried to justify his comments, stating that it is his job to promote the fight. But Beterbiev warned him he could do something about it, forcing Hearn to shy away from the prior comments.

Beterbiev Responds

“You want to make fight with Eddie? Why you do that? It really can be. It really can be, I can do something, you know? I finish with [Bivol] tomorrow. But you, today, maybe. Maybe today with you,” Beterbiev stated 

Beterbiev must stay focused on the task at hand. Bivol’s style has parallels with Oleksandr Usyk. They are both known for excellent footwork and a strong boxing IQ. While Bivol may not be a southpaw, he has the style to take Beterbiev into deep waters. Bivol is a master of going into the later rounds and winning on the scorecards. Beterbiev has never been the full 12 rounds, something he may have to do if he wants to beat Bivol. 

However, it will also depend on Beterbiev’s physical condition. He pulled out of the Callum Smith fight initially with injury. He did the same for the Bivol fight, which was initially meant to happen in June, with a knee injury. And given that Beterbiev is 39 years old, there are question marks over whether his injury record will catch up with him if it goes into the later rounds. Beterbiev does not need any extra incentive to win, but Hearn’s comments may have given him just that. Either way, boxing fans had plenty to say.

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