Thanks to a perfect performance, Artur Beterbiev was crowned IBF world light heavyweight champion on Sunday morning at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno State.
However, the Russian (12-0, 12 KOs) didn’t get the easy win that everyone had expected in recent weeks. He worked hard before winning a knockout over German Enrico Koelling in the 12th round in a fight presented by the American promoter Top Rank.
“He only wanted to survive and I really wanted that KO at the end. This is what I have dreamed of my whole life. I am so happy,” Beterbiev said after the match.
On the other hand, Koelling responded: “He’s a monster. He’s relentless. He keeps throwing punches and he finished me off. He’s a guy nobody wants to fight, and I took the fight.”
Beterbiev became the second Quebec, Canada, champion in light heavyweight. As we know the 40-year-old boxer Adonis Stevenson holds the WBC belt of this division.
In addition, the slugger is the third pugilist led by Marc Ramsay to obtain a world title after Jean Pascal and David Lemieux.
Beterbiev, currently in his adopted hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 32-year-old boxer promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) following his move to Canada.
To get his first professional title, Beterbiev used the same recipe that has always been successful in the past. He dominated all rounds with an incisive jab and some power shots.
Artur Beteriev lands his right shot on Enrico Koelling during their fight at Fresno State. (Source:www.ringside24.com)
However, despite this boxing clinic in good standing, the show was dull and tasteless. The two boxers were also hearted by the crowd for several rounds.
It must be said that Koelling was in survival mode from the first bell before visiting the carpet twice during the final assault. He has almost all cashed thanks to a chin of steel, a drinking defensive and a big dose of courage. But he forgot that boxing was won with sustained attacks.
To give an idea of Beterbiev’s domination, he strafed Koelling 1111 shots, more than 90 per round. He hit the target 322 times for an efficiency rating of 29%. Koelling, meanwhile, led only 252 shots, 54 of which hit Beterbiev. However, he has never shaken the Russian.
