Ivan Montiel: Let’s talk about IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (pictured) and his most recent win, a technical knockout of Callum Johnson. Congratulations-- I know you help train him-- what are your thoughts on Beterbiev’s performance?
John Scully: Thanks Ivan. It sure was a good fight! Johnson sure came to fight! A lot of guys who fight Beterbiev, once they feel the power they ease off. Johnson went down early yet this guy got back up and continued fighting. As you saw, Johnson actually came back and dropped Beterbiev even though it looked like Artur was off balance. At the end, though, Johnson didn’t complain about the knockdown and stoppage. He was definitely hurt against the ropes.
IM: Was this the first time that Beterbiev has touched the canvas?
JS: It’s actually the second time around. Early in his career, Beterbiev also went down in a flash knockdown. The same thing occurred-- Beterbiev went down but got back up and knocked out his opponent in similar fashion. Johnson didn’t come to lay down, this guy came to fight, and the fans got an exciting fight!
IM: I do remember the last time we spoke, you mentioned how Artur's sparring partners all said that he hits real hard.
JS: Yes indeed, but besides the fact that Artur hits hard, he also puts a lot of pressure on his opponents.
IM: Johnson sure showed heart, getting up from the first knockdown and then coming back to floor Artur.
JS: I did say to Johnson after the fight, "you have nothing to be ashamed of, you came to fight, and you caught Artur with some good shots.” But don’t’ get me wrong, Beterbiev took Johnson out with one big shot. Johnson fought going forward and paid for it!
IM: Now that Artur Beterbiev got another win, who’s next for him?
JS: I have no idea, I do not get into the business side of it with him.
IM: Do you feel like time is ticking for Artur Beterbiev?After all, he is 33 years of age.
JS: Well here’s the thing, Beterbiev doesn’t have bad habits like smoking and drinking. He will be back in the gym, working out as always keeping in shape.
IM: What type of opponents do you think would be good for Beterbiev as he moves onto his next couple of fights?
JS: Well Beterbiev is a big puncher. Many guys won’t want to fight him so he will just have to fight whomever steps up. Beterbiev is a dangerous fighter. Maybe guys who move a lot, very good boxers might be able to give him problems but I don’t see any guys in his division being able to beat him.
IM: It seems like many guys are avoiding him.
JS: Well guys just don’t want to fight a guy like Beterbiev who carries one-punch knockout power... but all light heavyweights have power so no matter, what all of these guys will have to go through fire!
IM: Speaking of very good boxers, we saw what Beterbiev did to Tavoris Cloud (a second-round KO in 2014 that ended Cloud's career).
JS: Exactly... a lot of people thought it was a big jump going into that Tavoris Cloud fight. Beterbiev’s trainers and promoters knew what others didn’t know, so the team took that big chance. It was only like Artur's sixth fight. It’s rare to see a guy with such little fights being able to knock out a world-class [former] champion.
IM: And Beterbiev has improved since then...
JS: Yes of course, I mean not only did Beterbiev beat Cloud, this guy was willing to fight someone like Cloud early in his career.
IM: I believe what makes Beterbiev dangerous is the fact that he’s always training. Tell us what types of fundamental do you guys work on?
JS: We work on everything, we are trying to make Beterbiev an all-around type of fighter.
IM: History has shown us that guys like Beterbiev usually depend on their power and sometimes don’t care too much about learning to better their boxing techniques.
JS: Right but we are trying to avoid that. We are trying to teach Beterbiev everything.
IM: Now let’s move on to Wilfred Benitez who I heard you visited in Chicago that same weekend
JS: Benitez is looking better than last time I saw him. As always, his sister is taking good care of him. The last time I visited Benitez he was not moving much, at least this time around he was able to move his arms although he’s still obviously not 100%.
IM: That’s good news even though his condition is sad. I am just glad to know that there’s some improvement.
JS: Thanks for asking
IM: Let’s hope there’s a miracle and thanks for your time as always Iceman!
JS: Thanks Ivan, much appreciated.
