Arum: "Beterbiev has nothing to do with Russia"

Bob Arum claims that Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) will not be affected by the sanctions that the largest boxing federations have imposed on Russian boxers. According to the American promoter, Beterbiev has a Canadian passport and will fight under the flag of the country in which he currently lives.

“He has been living in Canada for many years and has nothing to do with Russia. He has Canadian citizenship and is closely associated with this country,” said the head of Top Rank.

A fight is scheduled for June 18 between Artur Beterbiev, who is the WBC and IBF world champion, and the WBO champion title holder. Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs). The duel should be the main event of the boxing evening organized in New York.

Beterbiev, 37, has fought almost all of his professional fights in Canada and the United States. His first and so far only performance in front of the Russian public took place in March last year.