Beterbiev halts Deines in Moscow

WBC Press

Boxing’s preeminent knockout artist didn’t disappoint his partisan fans, because Russia’s Artur Beterbiev, in his first bout in 17 months, knocked out Adam Deines in the 10th round to retain his WBC and IBF light heavyweight world titles Saturday at Megasport Arena in Moscow.

Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KOs) conducted a fitting encore to his October 2019 TKO over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, the bout that solidified his place as the world’s best light heavyweight. Three fight dates — one against Meng Fanlong and two against Deines — were postponed, before Beterbiev finally returned to the ring.

Beterbiev maintained his status as boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout rate, returning home to the nation he represented at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Beterbiev clipped Deines (19-2-1, 10 KOs) with a left hook in the opening round, knocking the German to the canvas, moments before the bell. The steady patient wears down pressure of Beterbiev, gradually wore down Deines, who was in retreat mode for most of the fight, after the fourth round.

Then, in the 10th round, a sledgehammer left hook put Deines down again. Deines’ corner stepped in to save the courageous southpaw and the crowd got the knockout they so craved.