Beterbiev: Kadyrov is the fan No.1

The WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg), Russian Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KO) spoke about his relationship with the head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov.

“Yes, I saw him after the previous fight. He, as always, congratulated me. Never let me go without a gift. He told me in my youth: “Arthur, I will help you with everything I can. Financially, morally. But in the ring you have to box." And I still try to box in the ring. I am very pleased that he treats me like that, we have such a good relationship.

But I am more pleased that he motivates all the athletes of the republic. When the sport gets on its feet, they will start performing at all-Russian, international competitions. The leader himself supports not only boxing and football, but various sports. He is in touch with every athlete, he says some wishes. It’s very cool, actually. For some, this may already be commonplace, but he is very supportive of our guys. He is the fan No. 1, and all the rest come after him,” Beterbiev said in an interview with the correspondent of the “Championship” Sergey Sorokin.