Artur Beterbiev believes the affection shown to him by Montreal's boxing scene has been a major part of his success ahead of his world title clash with Dmitry Bivol, live on DAZN.
The WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight champion will face off with his rival in an undisputed world title bout atop the bill at Riyadh Season's IV Crown Showdown.
Born in Dagestan, the 39-year-old holds Canadian citizenship after he moved to Quebec in 2013, and is one of the most prominent sportsmen to represent the country.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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Speaking ahead of his clash with Bivol in Saudi Arabia, Beterbiev praised Montreal's love for boxing, and acknowledged that he is honoured to fight for them internationally.
"They like sport," he told DAZN. "They like to watch sport, they like to do sport. I appreciate that they’ve chosen me. It is a different place in the world from where I was born."
A practising Muslim, Beterbiev also credited his faith for his well-honed routine and professional focus, adding that it has helped steer him on his path to become world champion.
"I don’t know how non-Muslim people live," he added. "I don’t know. The first time I met my coach Marc Ramsay, he said he would like more Muslim boxers."
"[He said it] because they have discipline. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, they go to sleep early."
Beterbiev is bidding to extend his unbeaten record from 20-0 against Bivol, having secured knockout victories in all of his professional bouts thus far.
But he arguably faces his toughest test against a man also without loss in his career, having also secured famous victories over Joe Smith Jr. and Canelo Alvarez.
Watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, plus the whole l fight card on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which also includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clarke, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers. To purchase and find the prices in your region click here .
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DAZN is the home of boxing, showing over 150 fights a year, broadcasting a variety of boxing programming - press conferences, weigh-ins, exclusive interviews, documentaries and much more - week in, week out, 52 weeks a year from all around the world, in all divisions, at all levels.
DAZN's broadcast team includes host Ade Oladipo, who is joined by play-by-play specialist Todd Grisham and expert commentator Chris Mannix.
The team will also feature two-time Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams, former world middleweight champion Darren Barker, as well as British boxing star – and recent opponent of Chris Eubank Jr - Liam Smith.
Additionally, former world champion Andy Lee will offer his analysis alongside Barry Jones with reporter Olivia Buzaglo rounding out the line-up.
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