ARTUR Beterbiev has a compelling family story that has shaped his journey to the top of the game.
He’s going toe-to-toe with Dmitry Bivol on October 12, 2024 — with the winner crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.
Early life and family background
Artur Beterbiev was born on January 21, 1985, in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia.
He grew up in a large family as the youngest of five brothers.
The Beterbievs lived through tumultuous times, surviving three wars following the breakup 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 — Gasan Beterbiev
Artur’s father, Gasan Beterbiev, worked as a bus driver to support his large family.
He was the primary breadwinner for the household, ensuring that his children had all the necessities despite the challenging circumstances.
Gasan was initially against Artur pursuing boxing, but his other sons supported their youngest brother’s passion.
Tragically, Gasan lost his life in a car accident in 2001.
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This devastating event occurred when Artur was only 16 years old, leaving a profound impact on the young boxer and his family.
The loss of their father, who was the sole source of income, forced Artur’s older siblings to abandon their own pursuits and start working to support the family.
Mother
While Artur’s mother’s name has not been reported, a lot of interesting information about her role in the family has.
She worked as a nurse and after her husband’s death became a single parent to six children in a war-torn region, facing immense challenges.
Despite these difficulties, she played a crucial role in shaping Artur’s future.
When he received an invitation to attend an Olympic boxing college in Moscow a year after his father’s passing, it was his mother who insisted he go.
She recognised the opportunity over 1200 miles away from home could provide her son with a sense of direction and purpose during a difficult time.
Throughout Artur’s amateur career, his mother supported him by preparing strict diets during his training camps and ensuring he maintained optimal physical condition.
Siblings
Artur has four older brothers.
The eldest Abdul-Beter was also involved in combat sports, though details about his specific achievements are not widely known.
After their father’s death, Artur’s brothers took on the responsibility of supporting the family financially.
They also played a significant role 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 resides in Montreal, Canada, where Beterbiev relocated in 2013 to pursue his professional boxing career.
They have four children together — two boys and two girls.
Beterbiev is known to be a devoted family man, often sharing photos of his children on social media, though he tends to keep details about his wife private.
Profound impact
The loss of his father at a young age had a profound impact on Artur Beterbiev.
For nearly a year after the tragedy, he continued boxing but lacked clear direction.
It was the opportunity to attend the Olympic boxing college in Moscow, encouraged by his mother, that reignited 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, moving to Montreal to chase his goal of becoming a world champion.
The rest is history — Beterbiev has become one of the most feared punchers in boxing, holding multiple world titles in the light-heavyweight division.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
