WBC and IBF world light heavyweight champion Arthur Beterbiev spoke about the failed duel with Sergey Kovalev.
- In the course of your career, you were often asked about a possible fight with Sergey Kovalev, and you said that you were not against it, but now it is clear that this will not happen. Annoying?
- There is no annoyance. When he was a champion, I was not a champion, in my opinion. Then, vice versa. This is how life is: the day will come and I will not be a champion. I think that this fight is no longer relevant. Now, if Kovalev had a championship fight - like at the time when he fought Canelo - then it would be interesting to me. Champion with champion. Moreover, we have some kind of history there. Which he composed... Previously, it was possible to arrange it, but now I think: why box with him? I don't hold grudges against boxers. Doctors don't hold grudges against the sick, do they? So I try to treat boxers with humor and understanding.
- It seems that you have never had an open dislike for an opponent in your career. Could it have turned out differently with Kovalev?
- The opinion that Kovalev is the only one I wanted to beat is erroneous, I think. He slightly crossed the line, began to say something obscene. Plus, we were on the same team. Who was there knows who behaved how... I don't need to prove anything.
- With what feelings do you observe how Kovalev's career is developing now?
- I respect any work of an athlete, because I also work. And when a person achieves something, it is worthy of respect. He had a glorious career, but it passed. I hope that everything is fine with his health and that it will be the same in the future. I don't hold a grudge against him. The sediment remains, but the Almighty will judge and put everything in its place," Beterbiev said.
