Russian boxer explained entry to fight under the flag of Canada

MOSCOW, June 28, Ivan Orekhov. WBC, IBF world champion and WBO light heavyweight champion, Russian Artur Beterbiev told reporters that he was forced to compete under the Canadian flag during his fight with American Joe Smith Jr. Beterbiev has Russian and Canadian citizenship. On June 18 in New York, the boxer defeated Joe Smith Jr. by technical knockout in the second round and took the WBO title from the American. The Russian has 18 victories in professional boxing and not a single defeat. «It was forced. Once in my entire career I performed under the Canadian flag. Before that, I always competed under the Russian flag, I hope they will not be judged harshly,» Beterbiev said.