Artur Beterbiev attacks David Benavídez and questions some of his triumphs
Currently, Benavídez holds the WBA and WBC titles in the light heavyweight division, in addition to the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
The former world light heavyweight champion has decided to issue a critical stance regarding the career of David Benavídez. During a media intervention, Artur Beterbiev questioned the legitimacy of several results obtained by the Mexican-American boxer, also pointing out inconsistencies in the negotiations to agree on a confrontation between the two.
The verbal rivalry between the two athletes has grown steadily due to the constant challenges of Benavídez's team.
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Faced with this scenario, Artur Beterbiev attacked his colleague's technical skills and the veracity of his sports record, which includes championships in the 175 and 200 pound divisions.
In statements given to the Russian channel Match TV and later broadcast by The Ring magazine on its digital platforms, the European boxer was direct when evaluating his opponent's style.
"Benavidez is the type of fighter who talks much more than he does. His boxing is dirty, and some of his victories are certainly questionable," said Artur Beterbiev about the Mexican-American's performance.
The alleged evasion in the negotiation
The boxer also offered details about previous attempts to schedule a direct fight in the ring.
According to his version, Benavídez's corner decided to take a different course when a concrete proposal was presented to organize the duel after Benavídez's fight against Anthony Yarde last November.
"I agreed to fight him after [his fight with Yarde]. Apparently, his team did not expect me to accept so quickly. So they changed their mind immediately and chose [Zurdo] Ramírez," concluded Artur Beterbiev when explaining the reasons why the glove match did not materialize on this year's calendar.
The title panorama and the mandates of the WBC
Currently, Benavídez holds the WBA and WBC titles in the light heavyweight division, in addition to the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
The roadmap of its promoter contemplates a unification at 200 pounds against Noel Mikaelian, a lawsuit that already has a formal mandate from the body chaired by Mauricio Sulaimán.
Once he fulfills his commitments at cruiserweight, the Mexican-American's team plans to return to 175 pounds to seek a fight against Dmitry Bivol, who recently defeated Artur Beterbiev to be crowned undisputed champion.
In this way, the Russian fighter's statements add tension to one of the most disputed divisions in contemporary professional boxing.