Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, has lost interest in fighting Canelo Alvarez. The Russian boxer says a bout with the Mexican superstar no longer makes sense for him.
Beterbiev is getting ready to defend his titles against Dmitry Bivol this Saturday. It's a rematch of their October clash, which Beterbiev won by majority decision. With his focus on the upcoming fight, Beterbiev shared his thoughts on a potential Canelo matchup.
"No [it doesn't make sense now]. When he was a champion in my weight, that time I wanted to fight him because I need the belt, but now no."
Beterbiev made these comments in an interview with Fight Hub TV. His stance is clear: without a belt in the light-heavyweight division, Canelo isn't on his radar anymore.
If Beterbiev gets past Bivol, he might have to face the WBC mandatory challenger next. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez has a busy 2025 lined up. He's set to fight IBF champion William Scull in May, aiming to become undisputed at 168lbs. Canelo already holds the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles in that division.
Come September, Canelo will face a big challenge from Terence 'Bud' Crawford. Crawford will move up two weight classes from 154lbs for this super-middleweight bout. The matchup has got people talking, with Crawford seeing it as a huge opportunity.
While Canelo keeps drawing big names across weight classes, it looks like Beterbiev won't be one of them anytime soon. The light-heavyweight champ seems content to focus on his own division and the challenges that await him there.