In the world of boxing, there are few achievements more coveted than being an undisputed champion. It takes a combination of skill, determination, and sheer willpower to reach the top and hold all the titles in a weight class. And in the light heavyweight division, only two men have accomplished this feat in the past 25 years – Roy Jones Jr. and Artur Beterbiev.
It was back in 1999 when Jones Jr. defeated Reggie Johnson to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. His dominance in the division was unparalleled, and many believed that his record would never be broken. But on October 18, 2019, Artur Beterbiev proved them wrong. He defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk to become the new undisputed light heavyweight champion, 25 years after Jones Jr.’s historic achievement.
Beterbiev’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in the small town of Khasavyurt, Russia, Beterbiev grew up in a family of athletes. His father was a wrestler, and his mother was a sprinter. It was only natural for Beterbiev to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in sports. But it was boxing that captured his heart, and he soon began training at a local gym.
Beterbiev’s talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly made a name for himself in the amateur circuit. He won numerous national and international titles, including a gold medal at the 2009 World Championships. But it was his decision to turn professional in 2013 that truly set him on the path to greatness.
Beterbiev’s rise in the professional ranks was swift and impressive. He won his first 11 fights by knockout, showcasing his devastating power and technical skills. His performances caught the attention of boxing fans and experts alike, and he was soon being touted as the next big thing in the light heavyweight division.
But it wasn’t until his fight against Oleksandr Gvozdyk that Beterbiev truly cemented his place as one of the best light heavyweights in the world. In a highly anticipated unification bout, Beterbiev put on a dominant performance, knocking out Gvozdyk in the 10th round to become the undisputed champion. It was a historic moment, not just for Beterbiev but for the sport of boxing as well.
But Beterbiev’s success in the ring is not the only thing that sets him apart from other boxers. He comes from a close-knit family, and his brothers have played a significant role in his life and career. Here’s all we know about ‘The Rabbit’s siblings.
The eldest of the Beterbiev brothers is Ramzan. He is 10 years older than Artur and is a former professional boxer himself. Ramzan had a successful career in the ring, winning 18 out of his 19 fights. He also holds the distinction of being the first Russian to win a gold medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2001. After retiring from boxing, Ramzan became a trainer and has been an integral part of Artur’s team.
The second brother, Khasan, is also a former boxer. He had a brief amateur career, winning a few regional titles before turning professional. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a shoulder injury. But Khasan didn’t let that stop him from being involved in the sport. He is now a boxing promoter and manages his brother’s career.
The youngest of the Beterbiev brothers is Islam. He is also a boxer and has had a successful amateur career, winning several national titles. He is currently training to turn professional and follow in his brothers’ footsteps.
The Beterbiev brothers are not just siblings; they are also each other’s biggest supporters. They have been by Artur’s side throughout his journey, providing him with love, support, and motivation. And as Artur’s career enters its final stages, his brothers will undoubtedly continue to be his pillars of strength.
In conclusion, Artur Beterbiev’s rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has overcome numerous challenges and obstacles to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. And with the support of his brothers, he has achieved what many thought was impossible. As he looks towards the future, Beterbie