Artur Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KOs) will defend his WBC and IBF light heavyweight titles against American Marcus Browne (24-1, 16 KOs) as the Bell Center, Montreal, Canada, hosts a boxing event for the first time on December 17.
The Russian’s last fight was in March 2021, when he beat his mandatory challenger Adam Deines by referee stoppage in the 10th round in Rusia.
“It’s been a dream of mine to defend my titles in front of the fans who have supported my entire pro career. I look forward to defending my titles in dominant fashion,” Beterbiev said.
For Browne, this will be his second fight in this year since he beat Denis Grachev by a shutout unimous decision in April before technical decision to Jean Pascal in August 2019.
“This is the moment I’ve been working for my entire career. This is the most important fight of my life. I’m coming with all the tools in the tool box, not leaving without those straps.” Browne said.
“Most of the the other boxers go in the ring scared Beterbiev. They’ve lost before the bell rings. That’s not how we’re coming.” Browne added.
Speaking to media, Top Rank boss Bob Arum believed Beterbiev is the greatest light heavyweight of his era after beating Adam Deines.
“Artur Beterbiev has built a tremendous fanbase in Montreal, and we wanted to give him the opportunity to defend his titlesin his adopted hometown.” Arum said.
“Marcus Browne is a worthy mandatory challenger, a big southpaw with a high boxing IQ. But I believe Artur is the world’s premier light heavyweight and, as usual, will end the fight before the final bell.”Arum added.
