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“Imagine That Punch Without the Headguard…”: Fans Stunned as Oleksandr Usyk vs Artur Beterbiev 2011 Amateur Bout Video Resurfaces on the Internet

Published Jun 24, 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT

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Boxing giants Oleksandr Usyk and Artur Beterbiev are regarded as two of the most ruthless boxers of this generation. With each fight, the two have been improving themselves and adding feathers to their caps. Surprisingly, these icons have fought each other in the amateurs. Let’s take a look at it. 

The titans met each other inside the ring for the 2011 Heavyweight World Championships. The Russian was jabbing Usyk hard in accordance with his well-known aggressive attacking method. However, the Ukrainian is a true warrior in his own right and is seen launching strong counterattacks. Eventually, ‘The cat’ outclassed Beterbiev and was announced as the winner.

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Moreover, the two have faced each other three times in the amateurs. Their first fight took place in 2007 when the Russian defeated Usyk in a light-heavyweight contest. In addition, they met for the third time in 2012 for the Olympic Games. The Ukrainian fighter defeated his foe and triumphed once more.

Fans react to the Usyk vs. Beterbiev fight 

Beterbiev and Usyk have been at odds for more than a decade. Both boxers have built a reputation for themselves through time. However, their admirers are still fascinated by their amateur fights and like reliving those encounters to this day. Let’s look at what the audience has to say about it.

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Fans have some amazing responses to the fighters. Both have won gold medals in the Olympics, and now they are aiming to add many more titles to their names. 

What’s next for Oleksandr Usyk and Artur Beterbiev? 

There was a lot of buzz around the anticipated matchup between American boxer Joe Smith Jr. and Beterbiev. On June 18, a brawl broke out at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre in New York City. The Russian came out swinging like a storm, destroying his opponent, and winning the match.

There have been no official reports about his next opponent. But there are rumors that the Russian might meet Dmitry Bivol or Anthony Yarde inside the ring. Only time will tell who the champion fights next. 

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Furthermore, the Ukrainian sensation pulled one of the biggest upsets on September 25 last year. Billed as ‘The Perfect Storm’, Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk put a magnanimous showdown on display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Usyk outclassed the British icon and was declared the winner via decision. 

Moreover, the first fight made it certain that a sequel is required. It was originally scheduled for May, but the Ukrainian had to return home to fight in the conflict between his nation and Russia. The two boxers will now face off on August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 Biggest Rivalries In The History Of Heavyweight Boxing

Meanwhile, what are your thoughts about the Usyk vs. Beterbiev amateur fight? Share it in the comments section below.  

Written by:

Shashank Wankhede

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Shashank Wankhede is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. When it comes to boxing, the blockbuster film 'Rocky' sparked his interest in the sport. He holds Muhammad Ali in great regard and is a sincere admirer of his narrative, struggle, and accomplishments.
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Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale