Artur Beterbiev

Artur Beterbiev is a Canadian-based professional boxer and former undisputed light-heavyweight world champion, known as one of boxing's most destructive punchers. Born in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Beterbiev enjoyed an outstanding amateur career representing Russia. His achievements included gold medals at the 2009 World Championships and the 2006 and 2010 European Championships, as well as appearances at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. He later settled in Montreal and turned professional in 2013. Beterbiev's power translated immediately to the professional ranks. He captured the vacant IBF light-heavyweight championship in 2017 and added the WBC title by stopping Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019. He continued accumulating championships while maintaining a perfect knockout record, eventually stopping Joe Smith Jr. in two rounds in 2022 to add the WBO championship. In January 2024, Beterbiev stopped former super-middleweight world champion Callum Smith in the seventh round in Quebec City. It was Beterbiev's 20th consecutive professional victory by stoppage and retained his WBC, IBF and WBO championships. Beterbiev then faced fellow undefeated champion Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh on 12 October 2024. After 12 rounds, Beterbiev won by majority decision to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion. It was remarkably the first time in his professional career that an opponent had reached the final bell against him. Bivol and Beterbiev met again on 22 February 2025. Bivol reversed the result, winning by majority decision with scores of 116–112, 115–113 and 114–114. The defeat was the first of Beterbiev's professional career, leaving him with a 21–1 record and 20 stoppage victories. Beterbiev has remained active in the light-heavyweight picture while seeking another major fight, and in June 2026 publicly stated that his preferred next contest would be a third meeting with Bivol. No third Bivol fight has taken place as of 23 September 2026. Beterbiev's Boxing Ring News profile tracks his complete professional record, opponents, results and championship career at light heavyweight.