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Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol were photographed alongside only boxer to beat Vasyl Lomachenko as an amateur before 2008 Olympics

This weekend will finally see two boxing titans go head-to-head once again as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol do battle again.

Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 promises to be a thrilling encounter in Saudi Arabia as one of the best light-heavyweight boxers of all time looks to defend his title.

The two have been pioneers of modern-era boxing from the east and have rightfully earned their stripes.

From Bivol’s stunning win against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2022 to Beterbiev becoming the undisputed champion in their October 2024 matchup.

Both have a long history of knowing each other and were even part of the Russian team for the 2008 Olympics squad in Beijing.

A photo of the two with the rest of the squad has emerged online and alongside them, is the only man to beat Vasyl Lomachenko as an amateur.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol photographed alongside Albert Selimov

Lomachenko is regarded as one of the best fighters of his era and has one of the best amateur records of any boxer out there.

The Ukrainian fought 397 times, winning 396 times and losing only once. His only defeat came against Albert Selimov who, in this picture below, can be spotted standing alongside Beterbiev and Bivol in the photo.

Selimov is no slouch himself and only lost 15 times as an amateur but one of his greatest achievements happened before he even turned professional.

He and Lomachenko met at the 2007 world championships where Selimov won on points by 16-11, leaving his opponent distraught.

However, in their next two meetings, Lomachenko got revenge and won both of those occasions.

What happened to Albert Selimov?

Rio 2016 Olympic Games - Day 4 - Boxing
Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Whilst the other stars of the Russian team went on to become professional and land huge fight night deals, Selimov appears to have been comfortable staying at amateur level.

He moved to Azerbaijan after failing to qualify for the 2012 summer Olympics and fought for them in 2016, placing fifth overall.

Now 38, Selimov has won over 100 of his fights at amateur level and his most recent accolade recorded was the 2015 amateur world championships title in Doha, Qatar.