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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.Artur Beterbiev with his motherEarly life and family backgroundArtur 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.read more on Artur BeterbievDad — Gasan BeterbievArtur’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.Most read in BoxingThis 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.MotherWhile 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.Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev weighing in ahead of their undisputed light-heavyweight Fight on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyWhen 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.SiblingsArtur 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.Beterbiev last fought in January 2024, knocking out top contender Callum SmithCredit: GettyMarriage and childrenArtur 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 impactThe 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen 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. More

DMITRY Bivol owes much of his success to the unwavering support and sacrifices of his mum Yelena and dad Yuriy.His parents will be cheering him on when he comes face-to-face with Artur Beterbiev on October 12, 2024 — with the winner becoming the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.Dmitry Bivol’s parents have supported him throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @bivol_dRoots & heritageDmitry Bivol’s mother Yelena was born in Kazakhstan when it was still part of the Soviet Union.Her family, of Korean descent, later relocated to Kyrgyzstan.Koreans arrived in the old Russian Empire in large numbers in and around the year 1870, becoming a significant ethnic group in the former USSR.Dmitry’s father Yuriy was born in the region formerly known Bessarabia, which is now called Moldova.read more on Dmitry BivolHe grew up speaking only Moldovan until he was 10 years old.Yelena and Yuriy’s marriageYelena and Yuriy’s love story started in Russia, where they had both relocated for their studies.After finishing school they got married, but no details of their big day are available.The couple made the decision to settle in Kyrgyzstan — Yelena’s home country.Most read in BoxingIt was here that Dmitry was born on in the city of Tokmok on December 18, 1990.Life in KyrgyzstanIn Tokmok, Yelena and Yuriy took up farming to support their young family in the newly independent Kyrgyzstan.Team Bivol make the biggest noise in Beterbiev fight weekIt was during these early years that Dmitry’s interest in combat sports began to flourish.Inspired by Jackie Chan movies, he initially took up wushu when he was a small child before transitioning to boxing.When Dmitry was six, his father took him to train in a boxing gym.Recognising his son’s passion, Yuri took on the role of Dmitry’s first boxing mentor.Create beautiful, classical boxingYuri BivolHe accompanied him to training sessions and competitions, despite the family’s limited resources.Equipment was expensive and hard to come by, so the young fighter wore ballet shoes to train and compete in.Even so, he won his first 23 fights with his dad by his side at every tournament he entered.Shaping a championYuriy played a crucial role in developing Dmitry’s distinctive boxing style.In an interview with Russian media, he recalled the advice he gave his young son: “I have always told my son, don’t show the spectators the snot, the blood, busted lips and nose.Yuri Bivol has trained his son Dmitry since childhoodCredit: Instagram @bivol_d”Create beautiful, classical boxing.”This guidance would become the foundation of Dmitry’s elegant and effective fighting technique.Sacrifices for successIn 2002, when Dmitry was 11 years old, the Bivol family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Russia.This move was primarily motivated by the desire to provide Dmitry with better opportunities to develop his boxing skills and pursue his athletic dreams.The transition to Saint Petersburg was not easy for the family.Yuri Bivol first took Dmitry to a boxing club when he was six years oldCredit: Instagram @bivol_dThey found themselves sharing a two-bedroom flat with nine people — a testament to the sacrifices they were willing to make for their son’s future.Yuriy took on work as a shuttle bus driver to support the family financially, while Yelena focused on maintaining their home and helping with Dmitry’s training.A rising starAs Dmitry’s boxing career began to take off, Yelena and Yuriy’s unwavering assistance became even more crucial.Their son’s success in amateur competitions, including becoming a European school’s champion and twice winning the senior national championship by age 18, was a source of immense pride for the family.The Bivols continued to make sacrifices to ensure Dmitry had access to the best training facilities and opportunities, even as their own living conditions remained modest.In 2024, Dmitry is one of the world’s top boxers, holding the WBA light-heavyweight title and ranked among the best pound-for-pound fighters.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he now trains in Southern California and competes on the world stage, Dmitry maintains close ties to his family and his roots in Saint Petersburg.The values instilled by Yelena and Yuriy — perseverance, humility and dedication — continue to guide him in his professional career. More