When Did Beterbiev Turn Pro and Why Has It Taken Him So Long to Get Going?
Artur Beterbiev is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing today, boasting an undefeated record with a perfect knockout rate. But for all his accomplishments in the light-heavyweight division, his career trajectory hasn’t been the fastest. With his bout against Dmitry Bivol for the Undisputed crown fast approaching, many fans and pundits are looking back and asking when did Beterbiev turn pro, and why has it taken him so long to reach the summit of the Light Heavyweight division?
When Did Beterbiev Turn Pro?
Artur Beterbiev turned professional on June 8, 2013. After an illustrious amateur career, which saw him win two World Championship medals and represent Russia in two Olympic Games, as well as facing big names such as Michael Hunter and Oleksandr Usyk (whom he beat once out of their three encounters), Beterbiev finally made the leap to the paid ranks at the age of 28.
This timing is considered relatively late by boxing standards, where many fighters typically make their professional debut in their early 20s. But for Beterbiev, the journey to the pro game wasn’t a simple decision. Several factors, including his commitment to the amateur system and personal challenges, played a role in his delayed entry into the professional scene.
The Slow Start: Why Did Beterbiev Wait?
Beterbiev’s amateur background was prestigious, and like many top-tier boxers coming out of Russia, he had deep ties to the amateur boxing system. He participated in two Olympic Games, in 2008 and 2012, before deciding to turn professional. But his decision to stick with the amateurs for so long wasn’t just about chasing Olympic gold.
The highly structured and state-backed boxing systems in countries like Russia often see fighters stay in the amateur ranks for longer, delaying their transition to the professional scene.
Another reason for his later start was the complicated nature of his contractual and managerial situation when turning professional. Beterbiev initially signed with Canadian promoter Yvon Michel, which limited his exposure to the broader boxing audience. While he secured early knockouts, the momentum of his career seemed slow, especially given his age and talent.
Early Career and Injuries
Despite turning professional in 2013, it wasn’t until 2017 that Beterbiev truly began to make waves on the world stage. A mix of injuries and promotional issues played a big part in this. His early career in North America saw him confined to fighting on the undercard of bigger stars, without significant attention from mainstream media.
In 2014, just a year after his debut, Beterbiev began his campaign for world title contention, knocking out seasoned professionals like Tavoris Cloud. However, injuries derailed his career trajectory. Multiple hand and shoulder injuries required surgery, leading to significant time out of the ring.
His aggressive, power-punching style has often made him more prone to injuries, further delaying his rise to the top of the sport. These injuries, combined with long lay-offs, hindered the progress of a fighter who otherwise looked destined for stardom much earlier in his career.
Promotional Battles and Delays
When discussing why it has taken so long for Beterbiev to get going, one cannot ignore the legal and promotional battles that have haunted his career. After his initial run under the promotion of Yvon Michel, Beterbiev entered a legal dispute with his promoter, aiming to break free and pursue better opportunities in the sport. This legal wrangling sidelined him for almost two years, delaying his world title ambitions further.
By the time the dust settled, and Beterbiev moved under the banner of Top Rank Promotions in 2019, he was already in his mid-30s, an age where many fighters are either nearing retirement or slowing down. However, Beterbiev seemed to only be getting started, and this change in promotion helped breathe new life into his career.
World Title Success and Reign
After years of being a dark horse in the light-heavyweight division, Beterbiev finally got his opportunity to fight for a world title in 2017, capturing the IBF light-heavyweight championship by stopping Enrico Kölling in the 12th round. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant reign.
Despite his world title win, Beterbiev continued to face significant gaps between fights, primarily due to injury setbacks and a relatively low-profile marketing push. His fights, though dominant, weren’t as frequent as other champions in the division, adding to the perception that his career was moving at a slower pace.
It wasn’t until his unification bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019 that Beterbiev truly solidified his position as one of the best light-heavyweights in the world. The fight, which saw him unify the WBC and IBF titles, also showcased his brutal knockout power, as he stopped the highly regarded Gvozdyk in the 10th round.
Why Has Beterbiev Taken So Long to Reach the Top?
The reasons for Beterbiev’s slow-burning career are a combination of factors: a late start due to a lengthy amateur career, repeated injury setbacks, and promotional challenges that delayed his world title opportunities. In addition, Beterbiev’s fighting style, which relies heavily on physicality and power, has often left him vulnerable to injuries, leading to long stretches between fights.
Both Artur Beterbiev’s next fight against Dmitry Bivol and his most recent outing against Callum Smith, who was stopped for the first time in his career by the Russian, were both notably postponed from their original dates due to injuries sustained by Beterbiev.
However, it’s important to note that while Beterbiev’s career may have taken longer to ignite, his reign at the top has been nothing short of dominant. Every opponent who has stepped into the ring with him has been knocked out, a testament to his punching power and technical skills.
Is Beterbiev Running Out of Time?
At 39 years old, Artur Beterbiev is nearing the twilight of his career. Despite his undefeated record and perfect knockout streak, age and accumulated injuries could play a factor in the coming years. The light-heavyweight division is packed with young talent, and many are hungry for their shot at the top.
Yet, if Beterbiev’s career has taught us anything, it’s that his resolve is as powerful as his punch. While it may have taken him longer than expected to get going, he now sits at the pinnacle of the sport, facing off against Dmitry Bivol on Saturday the 12th of October, to become the first Undisputed Light-Heavyweight in over twenty years.
To answer the question, When did Beterbiev turn pro? It was back in 2013, but the journey since then has been fraught with challenges. Injuries, promotional battles, and a late start have all contributed to the long road Beterbiev has taken to reach the top.
Despite the delays, Beterbiev has solidified himself as a fearsome force in the light-heavyweight division, and while time may not be on his side, his legacy as a knockout artist is secure.
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