Artur Beterbiev “I’m Ready for the Championship of the World, I Could Fight Anybody”

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Artur Beterbiev Gabriel CampilloArtur Beterbiev may be the next Russian sensation to punch his way to the hearts of boxing fans.

His record is like a well-written story, short and to the point, with seven fights and seven knockouts, according to boxrec. His second round shellacking over Tavoris Cloud (24-3, 19 KO) last September has been duly noted by fans and scribes.

Beterbiev, a standout amateur from Russia, fought and beat light heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev twice before they each turned pro, according to Beterbiev. Beterbiev said in a media conference call that he welcomes a pro fight against “The Krusher”.

“Taking into consideration all his statements that he recently produced,” Beterbiev said of Kovalev, “I would like to meet with him and put him back in his place in professional.”

Beterbiev is slated to fight on the undercard of Stevenson-Bika on CBS, April 4th at Quebec City, Canada. The “Beter-Beast” will square-off against the veteran Gabriel Campillo from Spain.

“I have a lot of respect for Campillo because he’s very experienced,” Beterbiev said, “For sure he has more experience than I do. He has experience winning and losing, and he’s a solid opponent . . .”

Campillo (25-6-1, 12 KO) has fought a who’s who of the light heavyweight division in his twelve-year career. He has shared the ring with Karo Murat, twice, Beibut Shumenov, twice, Tavoris Cloud, Andrzej Fonfara, and Sergey Kovalev.

“This is a solid opponent,” Beterbiev said of Campillo. “He’s . . . Very experienced at attack.  He’s very experienced at defense. The fight is going to show what’s going to happen.”

Campillo might be the toughest opposition Beterbiev has faced so far. In his last outing, Beterbiev got up off the canvas last December to stop, and then, undefeated Jeff Page Jr., in two rounds. It was the first time people saw Beterbiev fall. However, Beterbiev saw it more of a slip.

“I don’t think that was a knockdown. I just lost my balance for an instant.” Beterbiev said. “I recovered right away instantly. But I still think that this is a good lesson for me for this not to happen in the future. And I’m going to try to avoid any dangerous situations in my future.”

If Beterbiev is looking to avoid dangerous situations, someone may warn him to steer clear of Kovalev, who is widely considered the most feared man in the division.

“I have a very good memory.  So, I did beat him twice in the amateur ranks,” Beterbiev said, “But I’m more focused on the future right now. I would like to beat him again.”

The 30-year-old Beterbiev turned pro in 2013 and is already fighting the likes of undefeated fighters and former champions. If he continues to storm through the ranks, fans will be clamoring for a match between him and proven legend beaters like Kovalev or Stevenson.

“I like the way I’ve been led in my professional career. I’m training everyday and working everyday and always thinking about that.” Beterbiev said. “I’m ready to meet all the solid opponents.  And I’m ready for the championship of the world, and I’m ready for any case scenario.”

He’s already been asked if he wants the winner of Stevenson-Bika, and his response was short and promising.

“I could fight anybody,” Beterbiev stated.