Artur Beterbiev explains how he almost ‘quit boxing’ after his father’s death and opens up on the importance of his brother’s guidance before looking ahead to this weekend’s clash with Bivol
Artur Beterbiev’s journey from the turbulent streets of Dagestan to the pinnacle of professional boxing is a story shaped by hardship, resilience, and the will to overcome.
At 37, Beterbiev’s life has been marked by extreme challenges, including street fighting in his youth, sharing a cramped apartment with 30 others and losing his father in a tragic accident.
But, Beterbiev – who almost walked away from the sport completely after his dad’s death – believes those experiences have equipped him to face the most significant challenge of his career: battling fellow Russian and WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown this weekend.
Born in 1985 in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Beterbiev grew up during a turbulent time. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left the region—and his family—reeling.
Economic instability hit hard, and the challenges of daily life were a constant presence in Beterbiev’s early years. His father, the sole provider for the family, worked tirelessly to make ends meet.
At 37, Beterbiev’s life has been marked by extreme challenges, including street fighting in his youth, sharing a cramped apartment with 30 others and losing his father in a tragic accident
But, Beterbiev believes those experiences have equipped him to face the most significant challenge of his career: battling Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown
Beterbiev sat down with Mail Sport’s Charlotte Daly ahead of the clash on Saturday night
‘I am a big believer in what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’, Beterbiev said when recalling the difficulties he and his family endured. ‘People have different roads to the top.
‘Some people have it easier and some people have it harder. There’s no denying what I went through was tough. But, if those things didn’t happen to me, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be the fighter I am today.’
Tragedy struck the family in 2001 when Beterbiev’s father died in a car accident, leaving the young boxer and his siblings to navigate life without their patriarch. Beterbiev, who had been working at a petrol station to help provide for his family, admitted his career goals were put on hold.
‘At the time, I wasn’t thinking about becoming a global star. My dreams weren’t that big at the time. If anything, I was dreaming about vacations and having time off school. But, I knew I had to knuckle down and earn some money for my family. So, I took up that job at the petrol station and did boxing on the side.’
It was during this time Beterbiev found himself drawn into the world of street fighting. Unlike some of his peers, including fellow boxer Bivol, who had unwritten rules governing their fights—typically ending when blood was drawn or emotions ran high—Beterbiev’s experiences were far more brutal.
His street encounters showed little mercy and often escalated quickly into dangerous confrontations, transforming street fighting into a perilous outlet for his frustrations and pent-up aggression.
‘Street fighting is a completely different experience. It’s a different life too. It was like fighting to the death.’
His older brother, worried for his safety, intervened, steering him toward the gym and away from the chaos of street brawls. Under his brother’s guidance, Beterbiev transformed into a disciplined and ferocious fighter. His raw talent blossomed into a force that would terrify opponents around the world, becoming known for his devastating knockout power.
‘I have to thank my brother. My older brother took me down to the gym with and insisted I train harder and focus on that instead of street fighting. So, I trained with him and I stopped fighting on the streets.’
His mother, although deeply concerned about the brutality of the sport, provided emotional support and guidance. ‘It’s tough for her to watch me box,’ Beterbiev admits, ‘but she has always tried to help me. She finds it hard waiting for the result or thinking about me in the ring. But, she has always tried to support me.
‘If it wasn’t for my mum, I’d quit boxing. Shortly after my father passed away, I was invited to the Olympic Reserve School. It was a dream and a once in a million chance, but I really didn’t want to leave.
‘Whether my father’s death affected me like that, or it was something else. But the thought of leaving the house, leaving my mum, used to terrify me. And I was willing to give up what, of course, would put a cross on my career.
‘My mum knew how important boxing was, that it could become my life, and convinced me to go. You know how it all worked out later. But I think about who I would have been if I refused to go to Moscow and it makes me think how lucky I am to have my mother.’
Beterbiev’s father also shared concerns about his son’s growing passion for boxing when the young fighter first showed interest in the sport during his childhood. While still alive, he worried about the risks involved and preferred his son to focus on academics rather than the brutal world of boxing.
Beterbiev said: ‘My dad didn’t like the fact I boxed to begin with. He was more concerned about me doing well in school. But, when I won bronze in the World Championship and gave him that proof he gave me his approval.’
Fast forward to today, Beterbiev stands as the undefeated light-heavyweight champion of the world, holding the WBC, IBF, and WBO titles with a perfect record of 20-0, all by knockout.
‘People talk about my knockouts a lot. But I don’t ever think about knocking my opponent out. I just do my job to the best of my ability and then if the knockout comes it comes. I just try to be ready for anything that is thrown at me, any different scenarios.’
The 39-year-old has dominated the ring against top contenders like Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Callum Smith, and Joe Smith Jr., but his most significant challenge lies ahead.
This weekend, he will face fellow Russian and WBA titleholder Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown—a showdown fans have eagerly awaited.
When asked about the matchup, Beterbiev offered his respect for Bivol’s skill and experience but made it clear he is ready for whatever comes. ‘I give Bivol the respect he deserves’, he said.
‘We prepare for him like he’s a good boxer. He has good experience and he is a professional boxer that is holding one belt – so I have to respect that.
‘We are prepared, of course. We are prepared for different things and whatever he comes at me with. We’ll see what happens on Saturday night.’
As fight night approaches, the world waits to see if Beterbiev can maintain his undefeated record and cement his legacy as one of the sport’s most fearsome champions.
