Artur Beterbiev and Marcus Browne left their blood, sweat and tears inside the ring on Friday evening in Montreal as they fought for the IBF Light Heavyweight title.
New Jersey native Marcus Browne shot out to an early lead in the first two rounds as he sought to keep moving and hitting with Beterbiev with straight shots. However, Browne’s ability to move and keep the defending champion off f him did not last for long. As the fight progressed, Beterbiev was able to pin the challenger against the ropes and land heavy shots. In the midst of the back and forth, Beterbiev and Browne both suffered ugly cuts after clashing heads in the fourth round. Despite the blood, Beterbiev was able to keep hitting Browne with thudding shots en route to a 9th round knockout.
Beterbiev has improved his record to 17-0 with 17 knockouts after defeating Browne. Heading into the new year, he is a potential opponent for fellow light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and pound-for-pound contender Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Regardless of who his opponent is, the Russian fighter says he’ll be ready for the challenger.
“I’m happy to win,” he said after the fight.
“We’re ready for any fight. We’re looking for the best. To be the best, you have to beat the best.”
