The Ukrainian Embassy in Canada criticized IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev for supporting the president of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, after he defeated Briton Callum Smith in the title match. The statement was published on the embassy’s official website.
“The Ukrainian Embassy in Canada was shocked by Artur Beterbiev’s glorification of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in his speech after a boxing match in Canada. “Another proof of the lack of political neutrality of Russian athletes,” the message reads.
On January 14, Beterbiev knocked out Smith. The fight between the rivals ended in the seventh round. The Russian knocked down his opponent twice in a row within a few seconds, after which the Englishman’s corner threw in the towel. Beterbiev defended his championship title according to the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF).
Kadyrov after Beterbiev’s victory appealed He thanked the boxer, congratulated the athlete and stated that the Chechen Republic was proud of his success.
Previously coach of Beterbiev explained The victory of the Russian boxer over Smith.