Artur Beterbiev, the light heavyweight champion under the WBC, IBF, and WBO belts, faced a tense moment in New York when a scheduled bout against Joe Smith Jr. ended with a stoppage in the second round. The Russian fighter delivered a technical knockout and, as a result of the outcome, lost the WBO title on the night of the clash.
Speaking after the bout, Beterbiev emphasized that his decisions were not about showcasing a national flag. He explained that the possibility of fighting under the Russian flag had never been a consideration. He pointed out that political tensions can influence what happens in the ring, noting that opponents sometimes block a match from taking place or strings are pulled to vacate titles when the fight drags on. In a surprising twist, he revealed that just before the fight with Smith he was granted Canadian citizenship, a development he described as fortunate. He said the timing might have opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed. The source of the quote was cited as Sport Express.
There is an expectation that Beterbiev may again compete under the Canadian flag in future bouts, a possibility that aligns with his long residence in Canada. He has lived there for about fifteen years and holds a Canadian passport, a fact that aligns with ongoing discussions about his public identity as an athlete who can represent Canada in the ring while continuing to hold roots in Russia.
Meanwhile, the head of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Suleiman, has publicly stated that Beterbiev can compete under the WBC banner given the circumstances, provided he presents himself as a Canadian citizen in public. The decision underscores the nuanced balance between sport and politics on the world stage, particularly for athletes who have dual or evolved national affiliations.
Previously, Artur Beterbiev announced that he had obtained Canadian citizenship, a development that has influenced how fans, commentators, and boxing officials view his future matchups and national representation. [Source: Sport Express]