Artur Beterbiev wants to face Oleksandr Usyk

Unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev has admitted that he would enjoy the opportunity to face his former amateur rival and current unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

Both Beterbiev (18-0) and Usyk (20-0) are undefeated since turning pro and each holds three belts in their respective classes, although Usyk in the second weight category has already achieved three belts. undisputed status in the cruiser class.

Their rivalry dates back to fifteen years ago, when they first met in the amateur world, with Beterbiev taking the lead in the 2007 Amber Glove fight, though, it was Usyk who won. won the competition, at least for now.

Usyk faced Beterbiev again in 2011 in the quarterfinals of the AIBA World Championships in Baku and outplayed his opponent until he was caught and injured in the second round, but he recovered just in time. dress.

In the third and final round, Usyk was injured on the body, a moment many fans refer to when they advised Anthony Joshua to target Usyk’s body in their rematch. The Ukrainian was forced to his knees, but that didn’t stop him from taking the decision on the scoreboard and going on to win the tournament.

They eventually met at the 2012 Olympics in London, again in the quarterfinals and once again Usyk was dominant and scored, winning 17-13 and again, winning the championship. compete and qualify for the Olympics. gold medal.