Why Religion Fuels Boxer Artur Beterbiev's Power

Artur Beterbiev, a Russian boxer, is set to make history. On October 12, he'll face Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh. If he wins, he'll be the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold all light heavyweight titles. Beterbiev's power in the ring isn't just from his hard work, but also from his deep faith. Beterbiev hails from Khasavyurt, a town in Russia's Dagestan region, where Islam is widely practiced. Born in 1985, he's a devout Muslim. His trainer, John Scully, says his faith brings extreme discipline. It helps him stay away from drugs, alcohol, and distractions. This discipline has been key to his success.In 2020, Beterbiev showed his commitment when he skipped a boxing event in China due to concerns about the Muslim population's treatment there. His faith is more than a personal belief; it guides his actions and choices. Growing up, Beterbiev faced tough times. He lost his father at 16 and saw wars. But he found solace in boxing. After his father's death, he moved to Moscow to attend an Olympic boxing college. Later, he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he trained and improved. At 39, Beterbiev is ready to make history. His faith has shaped him into a focused, disciplined fighter. Will his faith help him become the undisputed champion? It's something to think about.