WBC and IBF light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev will defend his crowns against Adam Deines at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, on January 30.
Somewhat surprisingly, it will be Beterbiev’s first ever pro fight in the nation of his birth, having competed exclusively in Canada and America.
The Covid-19 pandemic and injury have meant Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) has been ruled out of action for all of 2020. A March 28 title defence against China’s Meng Fanlong fell foul of the emerging Coronavirus whilst an October 23 date with Deines was postponed after Beterbiev suffered a rib injury in training.
“I’m excited to have the chance to fight in my home country of Russia,” said Beterbiev. “This fight against Adam Deines means a lot to me and you can be sure that I am preparing accordingly to honour this opportunity.”
Russian-born Deines (19-1-1, 10 KOs) has based himself in Germany as a pro and only suffered a decision loss to the aforementioned Fanlong in Macao in June 2019. He believes he is primed for the upset.
“I’ve been waiting to fight Beterbiev for a long time,” said Deines. “I can’t wait to put forth the fight of my life to become unified world champion. Moscow, I’m coming.”