WBC and IBF light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev returned after a 17-month layoff to break down game German Adam Deines in 10 rounds at the Megasport Sport Palace in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday night.
Photo: Top Rank.
In his first pro fight in his native Russia, KO king Beterbiev started in imperious fashion, dropping his challenger in the opening session with a left hook and a clipping right hand.
Photo: Top Rank.
It became a sustained beating, but the challenger had his moments. Deines (19-2-1, 10 KOs) showed admirable heart to take the fight into the closing stages against the Russian master-puncher.
But Beterbiev stalked patiently and dropped the expected bomb when he felled Deines again with a left hook in the 10th. The challenger rose, but his corner signalled to the referee that their man had taken enough.
Photo: Top Rank.
Beterbiev now hopes to meet the winner of the vacant WBO title fight between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov, scheduled for April 10.
Main image and all photos: Top Rank.