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While many fighters would do anything to face Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, there are others who are willing to turn him down, just like Artur Beterbiev has.
Even though Canelo is a major box-office draw and guarantees big paydays, this doesn't matter to the Russian fighter, who has brushed off a fight with Canelo in favor of pursuing his own titles.
Artur Beterbiev Rejects Fight Against Canelo
Considered one of the best boxers in the world, the Russian fighter has his sights set on defeating Dmitry Bivol at 175 pounds, the same fighter who proved to be Canelo's "kryptonite."
Because of this, Beterbiev downplayed the possibility of fighting Canelo Alvarez and explained his reasoning: "When Canelo has a belt in my division, then I'll want to fight him."
"Even if that moment comes, I still don't think I'd want to face him. I'm really not interested in a fight with Canelo," he said on The Stomping Grounds podcast.
Who Is Artur Beterbiev?
At 39 years old, Beterbiev is considered one of the best boxers in the world. He is also one of the few with a 100% knockout record, having won all 20 of his professional fights by knockout.
Currently, Artur Beterbiev holds the WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles, which he will defend against Dmitry Bivol, the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion, in an effort to unify the 175-pound division. This bout is one of the most anticipated fights in recent years.
The winner of the fight on October 12 will be considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
It's important to note that the 175-pound division is one weight class above Canelo Alvarez's division (168 lbs).
Although it seems unlikely that Canelo would accept moving up again, as he lost to Bivol when he did. Therefore, if Beterbiev wants to face him, he would likely have to move down in weight.