Khabib's manager responds to Artur Beterbiev after title challenge
Ali Abdelaziz urges the unified light heavyweight champ to focus on his next title defense
On Monday, Artur Beterbiev called out Khabib Nurmagomedov. The unified light heavyweight champion is aiming high. During an interview with Russian outlet Sport24, Beterbiev made it known that Nurmagomedov is the one opponent he wants to face before hanging up his gloves.
While Nurmagomedov has repeatedly denied any plans for a comeback, Beterbiev believes that the former UFC lightweight champion has unfinished business inside the cage. But Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has urged Beterbiev to focus on his next title defense against Anthony Yarde.
Here's what Ali Abdelaziz said about Beterbiev's callout
Ali Abdelaziz took to social media to respond to Beterbiev's challenge. He wrote, "Artur, I respect you, my brother, but please focus on Anthony Yarde, I am sure he will give you a great fight." He added, "You have a great fight ahead of you and I wish you nothing but success. Inshallah you will win and then we can talk about the future." In other words, he’s saying that Beterbiev would have to take care of his next assignment first before thinking about the future.
Abdelaziz is a well-known figure in the MMA world. He is the manager of several top fighters, including Nurmagomedov and Kamaru Usman. He is also the founder of Dominance MMA Management.
Beterbiev has been on a tear in recent years
Beterbiev is one of the most feared fighters in the boxing world. He has a perfect professional record of 18-0 with 18 knockouts. He unified the light heavyweight titles in 2019 and has successfully defended his belts twice since then.
Most recently, Beterbiev knocked out Anthony Smith in the ninth round in March 2023. The victory was the 12th straight knockout win of Beterbiev's career.
Yarde is a tough opponent for Beterbiev
Anthony Yarde is a formidable opponent for Beterbiev. He is the current WBO European light heavyweight champion and has a record of 23-2 with 22 knockouts.
Yarde knocked out Lyndon Arthur in the fourth round in December 2022 and is coming off a TKO win over Stefani Koykov in February 2023.
The Beterbiev vs. Yarde fight is scheduled for January 28, 2024
The Beterbiev vs. Yarde fight is scheduled for January 28, 2024 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. The fight will be for Beterbiev's unified light heavyweight titles.
Beterbiev is a heavy favorite in the fight. However, Yarde is a dangerous opponent and has the power to hurt anyone in the division.
The fight is expected to be a close and exciting affair.
Conclusion
Artur Beterbiev is one of the best boxers in the world. He is a unified light heavyweight champion and heeft a perfect professional record. However, Ali Abdelaziz wants him to focus on his next title defense against Anthony Yarde.
Yarde is a tough opponent and the fight is expected to be close. However, Beterbiev is a heavy favorite. He is the better boxer and has more power.
The fight will be a good test for Beterbiev. If he can beat Yarde, then he will have proven himself to be one of the best boxers in the world.
