Artur Beterbiev spoke to promoter Eddie Hearn at today’s final press conference, reacting to his recent spat, predicting that he will defeat his superstar Dmitry Bivol on Saturday.
Hearn called United three-belt light heavyweight champion Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) “arrogant” and said he looked “out of steam” in his undisputed fight against Bivol in Riyadh. Hearn hit a right button to anger Beterbiev, who told him, “You’re talking too much,” and then said, “He’s going to finish” Bivol on Saturday but maybe the British promoter today.
(Photo credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions)
Hearn’s face was desperate when he spoke because he needed WBA light heavyweight champion Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) to win this fight. If he wins, there is a rematch with Canelo Alvarez against Bivol that will generate a lot of money that helps with the dough rolling. That rematch won’t help if Bivol is knocked out by Beterbiev on Saturday.
Eddie Hearn: “I believe that Dmitry Bivol will be the light heavyweight world champion on Saturday night. He will fulfill his lifelong dream, and he fights to the point of his opposition. There is only one man in the world who can beat Artur Beterbiev, that is Dmitry Bivol, and that will happen on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”
Artur Beterbiev: “He wants to fight Eddie. I can do something.”
Aviwe: Don’t worry about me. You have to get past him first.”
Beterbiev: “But why are you like this?”
Hear: “When he is done with you, he will be easy for me.”
Beterbiev: “There is no need to finish with him. I will finish with him tomorrow, but maybe with you today.”
Hear: “Weight is the future.”
“Beterbiev: “But today, maybe.”
Sizwe: “Maybe. I don’t think it will be a hard fight. He needs a real challenge.”
Beterbiev: “I don’t think he’s in a good mood now.”
Uzwe: “I’m sad [shape]but I think you should open up to this guy.”
Beterbiev: “Okay. He talks a lot.”
Sizwe: “That’s my job. You have to try.”
Beterbiev : “Okay, we’ll see on Saturday.”
Beterbiev gets into it with Eddie Hearn 👀 #BeterbievBivol | #RiyadhSeason | Oct 12, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/P5reHGi8kD
– DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 10, 2024
