Light heavyweight world titlist Artur Beterbiev’s second defense, and his first since signing with Top Rank, will come against “Hot Rod” Radivoje Kalajdzic on May 4 (ESPN) at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum told ESPN on Thursday. Arum said the contract has been sent and the deal is agreed to. Initially, plans were being made for Beterbiev to face Sven Fornling. Kalajdzic’s only loss was a highly controversial split decision in a 2016 eight-rounder against unbeaten Marcus Browne, who now holds a secondary world title.
Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer
17h ago
Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
It was revealed on Monday that Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and undefeated Artur Beterbiev, the IBF world light heavyweight champion, have reached an agreement confirming the end of their promotional contract.
The agreement puts an end to all of legal proceedings between GYM and Beterbiev.
Since 2017, GYM and Beterbiev have been engaged in a legal battle over the boxer's promotional contract.
Beterbiev had claimed that his contract with GYM owner Yvon Michel had expired. And the promoter disagreed.
As they fought it out in court, Michel gained the upper hand when a court decision ruled in his favor in 2018, but Beterbiev appealed that ruling.
GYM and Beterbiev have advised reporters that they will make no other comments regarding the agreement or the terms of their resolution.
"In recent months it has become clear to us and Artur that a negotiated solution in good faith would be preferable to the consequences of a prolonged judicial debate. We are proud of the work we have done with Artur during our association and we wish him the best success in the pursuit of his career," said Yvon Michel.
"I am relieved and happy to now be able to focus 100% on my training and my performances in the ring," said Beterbiev. "I want to thank Yvon and all members of the GYM team for their efforts and support in developing my career since arriving in Canada in 2013".
Beterbiev had entered into a co-promotional agreement with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom and streaming service DAZN.
But then he broke after from that pact after one fight and is now aligned with Top Rank and ESPN.
The agreement puts an end to all of legal proceedings between GYM and Beterbiev.
Since 2017, GYM and Beterbiev have been engaged in a legal battle over the boxer's promotional contract.
Beterbiev had claimed that his contract with GYM owner Yvon Michel had expired. And the promoter disagreed.
As they fought it out in court, Michel gained the upper hand when a court decision ruled in his favor in 2018, but Beterbiev appealed that ruling.
GYM and Beterbiev have advised reporters that they will make no other comments regarding the agreement or the terms of their resolution.
"In recent months it has become clear to us and Artur that a negotiated solution in good faith would be preferable to the consequences of a prolonged judicial debate. We are proud of the work we have done with Artur during our association and we wish him the best success in the pursuit of his career," said Yvon Michel.
"I am relieved and happy to now be able to focus 100% on my training and my performances in the ring," said Beterbiev. "I want to thank Yvon and all members of the GYM team for their efforts and support in developing my career since arriving in Canada in 2013".
Beterbiev had entered into a co-promotional agreement with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom and streaming service DAZN.
But then he broke after from that pact after one fight and is now aligned with Top Rank and ESPN.
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev, the only current world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, will take his iron fists to California for the second defense of his title.
Beterbiev, who recently signed a long-term pact with Top Rank, will face top contender Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic in the main event Saturday, May 4 at Stockton Arena. In the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, the world’s longest-reigning 115-pound world champion, will make the seventh defense of his IBF junior bantamweight title against No. 1 contender Ryuichi Funai.
And, in a six-round lightweight special attraction, 18-year-old Stockton native and blue-chip prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. will face off against Eduardo Pereira.
Beterbiev-Kalajdzic, Ancajas-Funai, and Flores-Pereira will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (Spanish) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m PT. The soon-to-be announced undercard will stream live beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+
Beterbiev, who recently signed a long-term pact with Top Rank, will face top contender Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic in the main event Saturday, May 4 at Stockton Arena. In the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, the world’s longest-reigning 115-pound world champion, will make the seventh defense of his IBF junior bantamweight title against No. 1 contender Ryuichi Funai.
And, in a six-round lightweight special attraction, 18-year-old Stockton native and blue-chip prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. will face off against Eduardo Pereira.
Beterbiev-Kalajdzic, Ancajas-Funai, and Flores-Pereira will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (Spanish) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m PT. The soon-to-be announced undercard will stream live beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC EXPECTS "FUN FIGHT" WITH ARTUR BETERBIEV; TALKS "FIREWORKS" SHOWDOWN: "I SEE FLAWS"
"This is a bigger fight than the Browne fight. It’s for a title, so I’m happy. I’m happy with this fight...I expect fireworks, man. I come. I am a pressure fighter. I put pressure. I come forward. He obviously comes forward and he has all knockouts. I think it will be a fun fight for the fans," stated light heavyweight contender Radiovje Kalajdzic, who talked about his upcoming clash with light heayvweight champion Artur Beterbiev. You don't want to miss what else he had to say. Check it out!
Percy Crawford: The last time we spoke, you said you wanted the Marcus Browne rematch or a big fight. Artur Beterbiev is definitely a big fight. How is everything going?
RK: Things are going good. This is a bigger fight than the Browne fight. It’s for a title, so I’m happy. I’m happy with this fight.
PC: Big fights are a process. They aren’t made overnight. Being that you have been inactive, were you getting frustrated with the process?
RK: I wasn’t really getting frustrated because they told me they were working on something and to just be patient. They obviously were and it happened.
PC: May 4th is the date. He is looked at as the boogeyman and yet you accepted the fight. Stylistically, this seems to be a fun fight. What are you expecting?
RK: I expect fireworks, man. I come. I am a pressure fighter. I put pressure. I come forward. He obviously comes forward and he has all knockouts. I think it will be a fun fight for the fans. I always push the issue. I press and he does the same thing, so it’s going to be a good fight.
PC: He has 13 wins, no losses, and a 100% knockout ratio. It does not sound like he has many flaws, but as a fighter, I’m sure you see some things you could possibly exploit.
RK: Oh yea, I see flaws. I’m pretty sure he hits hard, but I got a game plan and I’m going to execute it.
PC: Although you haven’t fought since October, you literally fought the day before his last fight, so he doesn’t have an edge in terms of prepping for a fight, but the rounds you guys have put in does favor him.
RK: I been in training all year. I’ve been in shape. I have been ready. It's just the last two years, I have only had one round; 3 minutes total of fight time. I have been doing a lot of sparring to get that back. I haven’t fought in a while in terms of rounds. The last fight I had that went 5 rounds was in 2016, when I fought Travis Peterkin. Then I had a long layoff. But I have been in the gym this whole year, so I’ll be more than ready.
PC: How do you plan to avoid his big power when no one else has been able to?
RK: I’m going in there not even worried about his power because at light heavyweight, all of the top guys hit hard with 10 oz. gloves on. He got dropped in his last fight, so we all hit hard. It’s the punches you don’t see that hurt, so I’m going to do my thing and execute my game plan. I got a couple of different things that I’m going to do if the first or second thing isn’t working.
PC: Less than a round in 2018, no fights in 2017, but you still sound very confident that you can get the job done. Is that the key to success for you in this fight is your high level of confidence in yourself?
RK: Oh yeah! Definitely! That’s all that matters to me is how I feel mentally. It doesn’t matter if I had a 5-year layoff, if I’m good mentally, it’s going to be a great night for me. Mentally I’m ready, I’m prepared, and excited. Nobody wants to fight him, so I’m fighting him. If I wasn’t ready or wasn’t there mentally, I wouldn’t have accepted this fight.
PC: It’s been a long road for you. You have had some long layoffs and you have dealt with some serious injuries. What would capturing a world title mean to you?
RK: It would change my family’s life and mine as well. It would bring bigger fights and more money. It would change everything. It would change not just my life, but my family’s life as well.
PC: When you look around the light heavyweight division, you have some guys departing, but you also have some moving up. Badou Jack seems to want to compete at cruiserweight and of course we had the unfortunate situation with Adonis Stevenson. But we also have Jesse Hart, Gilberto Ramirez, and Andre Dirrell moving up to light heavyweight. What are your thoughts on how the division is shaping up?
RK: I believe that light heavyweight is right behind the welterweight division as the number one division in boxing. We are right there. We all could punch and we all have skills. This is definitely one of the best divisions out there now because we all bring something to the table; Bivol, Gvozdyk, Browne, Beterbiev, and Kovalev. We have so many different fighters and we could all punch. It’s either light heavyweight or welterweight. Those are the two best divisions right now.
PC: It will be televised on ESPN. For the fans who have never tuned in to a Radivoje Kalajdzic fight, what can they expect on May 4th?
RK: Just fireworks. I have speed, power, and smarts. It’s going to be my night. I’m going to work out my game plan and do what I think is the best thing to get the win.
PC: You said no one wanted to fight him. What was your thought process when the fight was offered to you?
RK: I took the fight right away. A couple of months ago, my managers asked me to give them some names and Badou Jack, Joe Smith, and Beterbiev was the guys I named and I ended up getting him. Other than his power, I don’t...I have talked to people that spar him and they told me some stuff. They told me I have to worry about his power, but like I said, everybody hits hard in the division. Maybe not as hard as him, but if you take away the power, then we will see what happens. I hit hard too. I have 14 first-round knockouts.
PC: I think this is a great fight. Good luck on May 4th and we will speak afterwards. Is there anything else you want to add?
RK: I just want everyone to tune in. It’s going to be two power punchers throwing it down on ESPN. Thank you!
"This is a bigger fight than the Browne fight. It’s for a title, so I’m happy. I’m happy with this fight...I expect fireworks, man. I come. I am a pressure fighter. I put pressure. I come forward. He obviously comes forward and he has all knockouts. I think it will be a fun fight for the fans," stated light heavyweight contender Radiovje Kalajdzic, who talked about his upcoming clash with light heayvweight champion Artur Beterbiev. You don't want to miss what else he had to say. Check it out!
Percy Crawford: The last time we spoke, you said you wanted the Marcus Browne rematch or a big fight. Artur Beterbiev is definitely a big fight. How is everything going?
RK: Things are going good. This is a bigger fight than the Browne fight. It’s for a title, so I’m happy. I’m happy with this fight.
PC: Big fights are a process. They aren’t made overnight. Being that you have been inactive, were you getting frustrated with the process?
RK: I wasn’t really getting frustrated because they told me they were working on something and to just be patient. They obviously were and it happened.
PC: May 4th is the date. He is looked at as the boogeyman and yet you accepted the fight. Stylistically, this seems to be a fun fight. What are you expecting?
RK: I expect fireworks, man. I come. I am a pressure fighter. I put pressure. I come forward. He obviously comes forward and he has all knockouts. I think it will be a fun fight for the fans. I always push the issue. I press and he does the same thing, so it’s going to be a good fight.
PC: He has 13 wins, no losses, and a 100% knockout ratio. It does not sound like he has many flaws, but as a fighter, I’m sure you see some things you could possibly exploit.
RK: Oh yea, I see flaws. I’m pretty sure he hits hard, but I got a game plan and I’m going to execute it.
PC: Although you haven’t fought since October, you literally fought the day before his last fight, so he doesn’t have an edge in terms of prepping for a fight, but the rounds you guys have put in does favor him.
RK: I been in training all year. I’ve been in shape. I have been ready. It's just the last two years, I have only had one round; 3 minutes total of fight time. I have been doing a lot of sparring to get that back. I haven’t fought in a while in terms of rounds. The last fight I had that went 5 rounds was in 2016, when I fought Travis Peterkin. Then I had a long layoff. But I have been in the gym this whole year, so I’ll be more than ready.
PC: How do you plan to avoid his big power when no one else has been able to?
RK: I’m going in there not even worried about his power because at light heavyweight, all of the top guys hit hard with 10 oz. gloves on. He got dropped in his last fight, so we all hit hard. It’s the punches you don’t see that hurt, so I’m going to do my thing and execute my game plan. I got a couple of different things that I’m going to do if the first or second thing isn’t working.
PC: Less than a round in 2018, no fights in 2017, but you still sound very confident that you can get the job done. Is that the key to success for you in this fight is your high level of confidence in yourself?
RK: Oh yeah! Definitely! That’s all that matters to me is how I feel mentally. It doesn’t matter if I had a 5-year layoff, if I’m good mentally, it’s going to be a great night for me. Mentally I’m ready, I’m prepared, and excited. Nobody wants to fight him, so I’m fighting him. If I wasn’t ready or wasn’t there mentally, I wouldn’t have accepted this fight.
PC: It’s been a long road for you. You have had some long layoffs and you have dealt with some serious injuries. What would capturing a world title mean to you?
RK: It would change my family’s life and mine as well. It would bring bigger fights and more money. It would change everything. It would change not just my life, but my family’s life as well.
PC: When you look around the light heavyweight division, you have some guys departing, but you also have some moving up. Badou Jack seems to want to compete at cruiserweight and of course we had the unfortunate situation with Adonis Stevenson. But we also have Jesse Hart, Gilberto Ramirez, and Andre Dirrell moving up to light heavyweight. What are your thoughts on how the division is shaping up?
RK: I believe that light heavyweight is right behind the welterweight division as the number one division in boxing. We are right there. We all could punch and we all have skills. This is definitely one of the best divisions out there now because we all bring something to the table; Bivol, Gvozdyk, Browne, Beterbiev, and Kovalev. We have so many different fighters and we could all punch. It’s either light heavyweight or welterweight. Those are the two best divisions right now.
PC: It will be televised on ESPN. For the fans who have never tuned in to a Radivoje Kalajdzic fight, what can they expect on May 4th?
RK: Just fireworks. I have speed, power, and smarts. It’s going to be my night. I’m going to work out my game plan and do what I think is the best thing to get the win.
PC: You said no one wanted to fight him. What was your thought process when the fight was offered to you?
RK: I took the fight right away. A couple of months ago, my managers asked me to give them some names and Badou Jack, Joe Smith, and Beterbiev was the guys I named and I ended up getting him. Other than his power, I don’t...I have talked to people that spar him and they told me some stuff. They told me I have to worry about his power, but like I said, everybody hits hard in the division. Maybe not as hard as him, but if you take away the power, then we will see what happens. I hit hard too. I have 14 first-round knockouts.
PC: I think this is a great fight. Good luck on May 4th and we will speak afterwards. Is there anything else you want to add?
RK: I just want everyone to tune in. It’s going to be two power punchers throwing it down on ESPN. Thank you!
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Onetimeonly
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
I'll take the upset here.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
What's the upset?
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Onetimeonly
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
I'd assume beterbiev is favored at least 2 to 1. I haven't checked the odds though. I'll take rad ko2.
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SenorPipino
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Onetimeonly wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 10:14 I'd assume beterbiev is favored at least 2 to 1. I haven't checked the odds though. I'll take rad ko2.
You're short selling Beterbiev.
The two books I use have Beterbiev a hefty 8-1 and an 11-1 favorite.
Money to be made if you truly fancy Kalajdzic. And he pulls it off.
Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
i thought rad beat browne, if that was no one off he has a great shot to beat the crude punch eater
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Onetimeonly
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Oh, I'm betting on him. I just assumed from his question that they were closer than expected.SenorPipino wrote: ↑30 Apr 2019, 10:28 You're short selling Beterbiev.
The two books I use have Beterbiev a hefty 8-1 and an 11-1 favorite.
Money to be made if you truly fancy Kalajdzic. And he pulls it off.
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sturm vogel
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
If Beterbiev ever does fight a Champion it will be too late in his life for he is already on the descent side of the curve.
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boxing_rocks
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
So is Kovalev. They should fight.sturm vogel wrote: ↑01 May 2019, 00:01 If Beterbiev ever does fight a Champion it will be too late in his life for he is already on the descent side of the curve.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Yeh. No time like the present for those 2 to fight.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Beterbiev (13-0, 13KOs) weighed 174.4 pounds for the second defense of the title he claimed in a 12th round knockout of Enrico Kölling in Nov. ’17.
Kalajdzic (24-1, 17KOs) checked in at a trim and fit 173 pounds for his first career title fight.
Kalajdzic (24-1, 17KOs) checked in at a trim and fit 173 pounds for his first career title fight.
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Onetimeonly
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
After beterbiev loses tomorrow there's no point for a bit.
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victor-romeo
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
This is the first half way decent opponent I remember Beterbiev fighting as a pro...at 34 Beterbiev career really didn't live up to what it could have been.
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boxing_rocks
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Didn't he just leave the promoter Adonis had? Adonis also didn't fight best opponents.victor-romeo wrote: ↑03 May 2019, 20:55 This is the first half way decent opponent I remember Beterbiev fighting as a pro...at 34 Beterbiev career really didn't live up to what it could have been.
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SenorPipino
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Why do they have to put this ESPN card up against Canelo-Jacobs?
Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
I bet Rad when he opened +2250. He’s now +450.
He’s got a real shot to win a decision if he can stay off the floor.
He’s got a real shot to win a decision if he can stay off the floor.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
When’s main event to this?
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Elpidiphor
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Right now. Hot Rod is walking to the ring
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Ah.. Jacobs is walking out not. Hoped there was no clash.
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Elpidiphor
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Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
IMO Kalaidzic is the most dangerous opponent in Beterbiev's career. Feel upset here
Re: Artur Beterbiev vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic - May 4, 2019
Hot Rod outboxed Marcus Browne, got absolutely robbed in that fight. See no reason he cant outbox Beterbiev at what were outrageous odds when they opened. This is the first real opponent Beterbiev has faced. Rad is a good fighter.