Artur Beterbiev’s Assistant Trainer Teases Potential Next Opponents

On Saturday, October 12, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) made history by defeating Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) for the undisputed light heavyweight crown. It was a fascinating bout that captivated the boxing world. It was shown to fight fans in the United Kingdom via DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office, while those in the United States and Canada could watch the main event on ESPN+, with the undercard on DAZN PPV. Beterbiev’s assistant trainer John Scully spoke to The Stomping Ground, about what could be next for the big punching Montreal resident.

Artur Beterbiev’s Next Fight: Possible Next Opponents

Trainer Reveals Intriguing Possibilities for Next Beterbiev Fight

Beterbiev endured a difficult start against Bivol who boxed well and picked his moments to perfection when attacking. Beterbiev showed his expertise in cutting the ring off – and wearing his opponents down and still being dangerous late in fights. His late fight push was ultimately the key, as he won the undisputed crown by unanimous decision.

His assistant trainer Scully has revealed two fascinating names that Beterbiev could face: “Looking forward, you have [David] Benavidez who’s in there and you have [Joshua] Buatsi, who’s really strong. That could be a nuclear war fight. So, there are fights at light-heavy, 100%.”

Benavidez and Buatsi are both looking to make big moves in the division, with Buatsi recording an impressive win over Willy Hutchinson, making him the WBO interim champion. Benavidez was last seen winning his maiden fight at 175lbs, comfortably beating Oleksandr Gvozdyk on points to become the WBC interim light heavyweight title holder.

The Future

Scully seemed to rule out certain options for Beterbiev: “We wouldn’t need to go to cruiserweight. No disrespect at all, but I don’t even know any cruiserweights or who the champions are,“ said Scully. 

He continued: “So, fights with Benavidez and Buatsi, I think those would be big light-heavyweight fights. But I think everybody in the world would say today they have to do a rematch. I think everybody would say that.”