Beterbiev has had enough of Eddie Hearn

Artur Beterbiev and Eddie Hearn lock horns at the final press conference, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive showdown this Saturday, October 12th, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. But it’s not just Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, the two men inside the ring, who are exchanging blows in this lead-up: Hearn, as Bivol’s promoter, has managed to ignite a spark in Beterbiev that might make the fight even more volatile.

Things take a heated turn when Hearn starts rattling off comments about Beterbiev’s chances. Not one to mince words, the promoter jabs at Beterbiev, throwing in remarks about how Bivol will handle him in the ring. Beterbiev, with his 20-0 record, all wins by knockout, has been an unstoppable force in the light heavyweight division. He’s a man of few words, but when Hearn pushes him too far, he snaps, looking the promoter square in the eye: “Why are you like this? You talk too much.”

Hearn doesn’t back down, though. “You should try talking,” he retorts, not letting up. “You need to focus on your fight with Bivol, but once he’s done with you, you’ll be easy for me.”

The tension is thick, and Hearn’s game is clear. He’s trying to get inside Beterbiev’s head, stir him up, make him fight emotionally. Beterbiev’s power and aggression are already well known, but Hearn wants to disrupt his focus, hoping Bivol can take advantage of the chaos. Bivol’s strengths - his footwork, sharp jab, and polished boxing skills - are the weapons they believe can outlast Beterbiev’s raw power.

But the exchange makes one thing clear: Beterbiev is already set on his mission, and Hearn has only fueled the fire. “You want to make a fight with Eddie,” Beterbiev mutters, his voice calm but loaded with intent. “I can do something.”

“You need a real challenge,” Hearn responds, undeterred. The promoter is at ease in these exchanges - banter is part of the job - but with a man like Beterbiev, it might be wiser to tread carefully. Beterbiev isn’t a fighter you want angry. His calm exterior masks a brutal intensity, and on Saturday night, he’ll be looking to settle more than just a score with Bivol.

There’s a back-and-forth, but Beterbiev seems less interested in the words than the promise of what’s to come. “Maybe,” he says, with an almost chilling simplicity, when Hearn suggests that the real action is still a day away. His expression leaves no doubt about his mindset. He isn’t just thinking about winning; he’s thinking about destruction.

As the press conference winds down, the message is clear. Hearn might be stirring the pot, but it’s Beterbiev who holds the power to make it all boil over. This isn’t just about belts or records anymore. It’s about pride, anger, and a simmering rivalry that might just explode in the ring.

Come fight night, all eyes will be on whether Bivol’s technical brilliance can withstand the storm that Beterbiev brings, or if the Russian’s quiet fury will be too much for anyone, including Eddie Hearn, to contain.