Artur Beterbiev became one of the most feared men in the light-heavyweight division with his 20-fight knockout streak.
Artur Beterbiev was handed his first career defeat against Dmitry Bivol, who was allegedly dropped in sparring by David Benavidez, in the pair’s much-anticipated rematch for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown.
Bivol became not only the first man to evade a Beterbiev knockout, but the first man to beat the Russian powerhouse too.
Despite Beterbiev’s age meaning his career is likely in its closing chapter, it’s clear in a resurfaced clip that power is, and always has been, on his side.
Artur Beterbiev arm wrestles heavyweight boogeyman
A resurfaced clip has shown Beterbiev, a light-heavyweight, arm-wrestling Arslanbek Makhmudov, a heavyweight.
Despite being two divisions higher than Beterbiev, Makhmudov, who was a feared contender in the division up until his losses to Agit Kabayel, who was praised by Derek Chisora after beating Zhilei Zhang, and Guido Vianello, struggled to beat the former undisputed champion, and even lifted his arm off the table to ensure a victory.
Beterbiev’s strength is clear in the clip, as he holds his own against a much heavier and larger fighter.
Arslanbek Makhmudov’s horrific eye injury following Guido Vianello loss
Makhmudov fought Vianello in 2024, and lost in an eighth-round TKO following severe swelling on his eye.
This marked Makhmudov’s second career defeat, following the fourth-round stoppage loss that put Agit Kabayel on the map in the eyes of many.
Though the swelling was severe, it is not uncommon in boxing, with Daniel Dubois facing quitting allegations after Joe Joyce broke his orbital bone, and Mike Tyson famously breaking the eye socket of a gangster.
Prior to that, Makhmudov was a feared contender with 17 of his 18 wins ahead of the Kabayel fight coming by way of knockout.