Beterbiev returns - what chance does he have against Kovalev if they fight in 2017?

Dagestani people are mountain people, very tough, thick set, big boned. You can see these genetics in lots of Afghan people too.

 

What date?

 

He has a puncher's chance. Kovalev's chin has been shown to be vulnerable

 

It's hard to call this fight. I think Kovalev could possibly outbox him, but Beterbiev is the bigger puncher and may impose his strength advantages and force a rough fight which would be problematic for Kovalev.

 

I think Dagestani's are probably the physically strongest people as a whole, than anyone in the world.

 

Kova KO inside 10

 

They have deep roots in combat sports. Dagestani people are no joke.

Check this documentary out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjPTHURDIzw

Whenever Beterbiev or Ward are mentioned, Kovalev doesn't act like the tough guy or talk smack like he did against Pascal. Kovalev knows Beterbiev is for real, same with Ward.

 

I'd assume it's mostly populated by ethnic Russians

 

Right now? Sergey batters him. Beterbiev's career seems to have hit a series of consecutive roadblocks. I don't think he's going to get himself fully prepared to win by 2017 either.

If he hadn't been sidelined by injuries and other misfortunes, I'd say Beterbiev would've been in a 50-50 fight with Sergey. Not now though. Kovalev is on another level. If the shoe were on the other foot and both guys swapped career trajectories, it would be the opposite.

Hopefully Artur can bounce all the way back and begin to build on his professional game. As it stands, we never got to see him at his best.

 

Beterbiev is fighting in June and wants to fight 3 times in 2016. It'll keep him active and the ring rust off.

Here he is on the pads with John Scully

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw-JJpGGurA

His punches are much shorter than Kovalev's and just as destructive. I think fighting in close, no one can beat Beterbiev.

Watch his highlight real on Youtube and he reminds you on GGG in terms of body mechanics. Amazing balance and punch placement.