Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champ with a fearsome 21-0 record and 20 knockouts to his name, flat-out admits he's not ready for a scrap with undefeated heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. In an interview with Fight Hub on January 13, Beterbiev admitted, “There will be no fight with Usyk. He's too strong for me.” At least he's honest, right?

Beterbiev, in an interview with Fight Hub TV, made it crystal clear that going heavyweight is not on his to-do list to face Usyk. “If he comes back to my division, I will fight him. But not at heavyweight. Cruiserweight? no Too strong, too good.” Well, that's one way to avoid a beating.

The pair have history, having clashed three times in the amateur ranks. Usyk came out on top twice, and it seems those memories are still fresh for Beterbiev. Can't say I blame him for wanting no part of the guy that just schooled Tyson Fury.

Speaking of Fury, Beterbiev had some thoughts on that, too. “Furi fought well. I'm a little sad that there aren't any big names in the heavyweights right now. I mean, true legends like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson. Right now, Usyk and Fury are the best in this weight class.” Translation: heavyweight is a bit of a snooze fest these days without Usyk and Fury.

To be fair, Beterbiev's integrity is a rare thing in boxing. Most fighters gave some canned line about “considering all options” or “testing ourselves against the best”. Instead, Beterbiev is basically saying, “Nah, mate. I'll stay in my own lane.”