ARTUR Beterbiev has a compelling family story that has shaped his journey to the top of the game.
He will go head-to-head with Dmitry Bivol on October 12, 2024 – with the winner being crowned the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.
Early life and family background
Artur Beterbiev was born on 21 January 1985 in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia.
He grew up in a large family and was the youngest of five brothers.
The Beterbievs went through difficult times, surviving three wars after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
These experiences undoubtedly contributed to Artur’s resilience and determination throughout his boxing career.
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Dad – Gasson Beterbiev
Artur’s father, Gasan Beterbiev, worked as a bus driver to support his large family.
He was the main breadwinner for the household, ensuring that his children received all the necessities despite challenging circumstances.
Gasson was initially against Artur taking up boxing, but his other sons supported their youngest brother’s passion.
Tragically, Gasson lost his life in a car accident in 2001.
This devastating event occurred when Artur was only 16 years old, which deeply impacted the young boxer and his family.
The death of his father, who was his only source of income, forced Artur’s elder siblings to give up their own activities and start working to support the family.
Mother
Although Artur’s mother’s name is not revealed, there is a lot of interesting information about her role in the family.
She worked as a nurse and became a single parent of six children in a war-torn area, facing enormous challenges after the death of her husband.
Despite these difficulties, he played an important role in shaping Artur’s future.
When he received an invitation to attend an Olympic boxing college in Moscow a year after his father died, it was his mother who insisted he go there.
She recognized that an opportunity 1,200 miles from home could provide her son with direction and purpose during difficult times.
During Artur’s amateur career, his mother supported him by formulating a strict diet during his training camps and ensuring that he maintained optimal physical condition.
siblings
Arthur has four elder brothers.
The eldest Abdul-Batar was also involved in combat sports, although details about his specific achievements are not widely known.
After his father’s death, Artur’s brothers took the responsibility of supporting the family financially.
He was also instrumental in encouraging Artur’s boxing career, helping him avoid the dangers of the streets and focus on his passion.
Marriage and children
Artur is married to Medina, who is also from Russia.
The couple currently reside in Montreal, Canada, where Beterbiev relocated in 2013 to pursue his professional boxing career.
They have four children – two boys and two girls.
Beterbiev is known as a devoted family man, frequently sharing photos of his children on social media, though he keeps details about his wife private.
deep impact
Losing his father at an early age had a deep impact on Arthur Beterbiev.
He continued boxing for about a year after the tragedy but lacked a clear direction.
It was the opportunity to attend the Olympic Boxing College in Moscow, encouraged by his mother, that reawakened his focus and determination.
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When Beterbiev turned professional in 2013, he made the difficult decision to leave his family and friends behind and move to Montreal to pursue his goal of becoming world champion.
The rest is history – Beterbiev has become one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing, holding multiple world titles in the light-heavyweight division.