Eddie Hearn tells Dmitry Bivol to “smash him up” after finding Artur Beterbiev arrogant
Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn has had some choice words to say regarding unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, ahead of the upcoming undisputed title showdown between the hard-hitting Canadian-Russian and Dmitry Bivol.
The unified WBC, IBF, WBO titleholder remains as the only world champion in the sport who can boast a 100% knockout record, stopping all 20 of his opponents since turning professional in 2013, including stoppage wins against the likes of Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.
Despite his accolades to date, many feel as though his next outing is a true 50/50 affair, as he gears up to take on the WBA light-heavyweight champion, who is also unbeaten in his 22 contests – the winner set to become the first four-belt champion in the history of the division.
Yet, regardless of the apparent respect between the two champions, Eddie Hearn told Boxing Social that he felt the 39-year-old Russian appeared arrogant during Monday’s launch press conference.
“I found Beterbiev a little bit arrogant. It might have been the language barrier but we are trying to get stuff out of you [him] to help build the fight. I said to Dmitry before, ‘smash him up’, and I really believe that Dmitry will win.
“It is going to be a really tough nights’ work because Beterbiev is brilliant, he is a savage, what a fighter.
“Beterbiev has been down before, Callum Johnson had him over. Everybody can be hurt, but I expect Dmitry to put on a clinic and it may be easier than we think.”
Beterbiev-Bivol will take place on June 1st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, topping a one-of-a-kind undercard that pits five of Hearn’s ‘Matchroom’ fighters against five of rival promoter Frank Warren’s stable, with world titles on the line as well as bragging rights.