Artur Beterbiev had extreme and brutal suggestion for radical new rule change to boxing

Artur Beterbiev is one of boxing’s most feared characters, and his proposed rule change explains exactly why. The light-heavyweight monster is one of the biggest punchers and best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport right now. Beterbiev is a feared operator and his brutal suggestion summed him upGetty He is the current undisputed king in his weight class, and has knocked out every opponent that has stood in his way except Dmitry Bivol, whom he still defeated last October. At 40 years old, Beterbiev is one of the most feared operators in the sport, and his brutal training regimes have gone viral in the build-up to his contests. He is a true throwback champion, and that became entirely evident when asked what he would change about boxing. Beterbiev was questioned on whether he would change any rules in the sport. He replied: “Instead of 12 rounds, I would have 24 rounds.” It was an extreme and brutal claim, and one which of course would never be approved due to potential health risks to fighters. But it showed just how much Beterbiev loves fighting. And it is an example of just how much he trusts his stamina and endurance, two key aspects of his incredible athletic skillset. The Russian-Canadian carries dynamite in both hands and has been seen doing some extreme training exercises including with a hammer. Of course, Beterbiev would fancy himself over the extended period, despite the fact he is in the twilight years of his career. Beterbiev proposed 24-rounders, a rule which shows how much he loves fightingGetty And although not 12 rounds, boxing governing body the WBA have suggested they could increase undisputed fights to 15 rounds. This would no doubt please Beterbiev given he is undisputed champion, and the controversial plan could be trialled by the WBA. It would likely be met with huge backlash given 15-rounders were abolished in the 80’s over health concerns. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who is instrumental in Beterbiev’s fights right now, is also strongly opposed to making an increase to the existing 12-round format. For now it is of course likely Beterbiev won’t get his savage request granted. He is currently focused on his hotly-anticipated rematch with Bivol this weekend. Beterbiev would have fought Bivol over 24 rounds if his change came to actionGetty The ferocious-hitting champion will look to defend his titles and this time try and get an all-important stoppage. He said during a face-off with his rival: “I don’t think it’s easier, but I think we can prepare better than the first fight. “I hope the second time will be better than the first. “My goal is to defend my belts. To be undisputed light-heavyweight world champion is the main goal for everyone maybe, for any boxer, for me too, but that time I already did it. “With my team, we will learn more with some details that I can’t tell you. I did enough to win, but I want to do much better.” Read more on Beterbiev v Bivol 2 LIVE commentary from Riyadh for ‘greatest boxing card ever’ including Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 and Dubois vs Parker Full rundown of every fight on glittering undercard in Saudi Arabia Beterbiev and Bivol feature in opera themed trailer for their ‘Last Crescendo’ rematch to leave fans with goosebumps Beterbiev leaves fans stunned with sledgehammer exercise to keep stunning KO ratio ‘Much more skill’ – Tony Bellew makes surprising Dubois vs Parker prediction EXCLUSIVE: Oleksandr Usyk reveals that his next fight will come against the winner of Dubois vs Parker. WATCH: We’ll be hosting a live watch-along for all the action over on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel OFFER: Latest betting odds and offers for boxing’s biggest fights on talkSPORT BET

Feb 18, 2025 - 14:09

Artur Beterbiev had extreme and brutal suggestion for radical new rule change to boxing

Artur Beterbiev is one of boxing’s most feared characters, and his proposed rule change explains exactly why.

The light-heavyweight monster is one of the biggest punchers and best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport right now.

Artur Beterbiev holding the Undisputed world championship belt at a press conference. — Beterbiev is a feared operator and his brutal suggestion summed him up

He is the current undisputed king in his weight class, and has knocked out every opponent that has stood in his way except Dmitry Bivol, whom he still defeated last October.

At 40 years old, Beterbiev is one of the most feared operators in the sport, and his brutal training regimes have gone viral in the build-up to his contests.

He is a true throwback champion, and that became entirely evident when asked what he would change about boxing.

Beterbiev was questioned on whether he would change any rules in the sport.

He replied: “Instead of 12 rounds, I would have 24 rounds.”

It was an extreme and brutal claim, and one which of course would never be approved due to potential health risks to fighters.

But it showed just how much Beterbiev loves fighting.

And it is an example of just how much he trusts his stamina and endurance, two key aspects of his incredible athletic skillset.

The Russian-Canadian carries dynamite in both hands and has been seen doing some extreme training exercises including with a hammer.

Of course, Beterbiev would fancy himself over the extended period, despite the fact he is in the twilight years of his career.

Artur Beterbiev at a press conference. — Beterbiev proposed 24-rounders, a rule which shows how much he loves fighting

And although not 12 rounds, boxing governing body the WBA have suggested they could increase undisputed fights to 15 rounds.

This would no doubt please Beterbiev given he is undisputed champion, and the controversial plan could be trialled by the WBA.

It would likely be met with huge backlash given 15-rounders were abolished in the 80’s over health concerns.

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, who is instrumental in Beterbiev’s fights right now, is also strongly opposed to making an increase to the existing 12-round format.

For now it is of course likely Beterbiev won’t get his savage request granted.

He is currently focused on his hotly-anticipated rematch with Bivol this weekend.

Artur Beterbiev punches Dmitrii Bivol during a boxing match. — Beterbiev would have fought Bivol over 24 rounds if his change came to action

The ferocious-hitting champion will look to defend his titles and this time try and get an all-important stoppage.

He said during a face-off with his rival: “I don’t think it’s easier, but I think we can prepare better than the first fight.

“I hope the second time will be better than the first.

“My goal is to defend my belts. To be undisputed light-heavyweight world champion is the main goal for everyone maybe, for any boxer, for me too, but that time I already did it.

“With my team, we will learn more with some details that I can’t tell you. I did enough to win, but I want to do much better.”