The recent light heavyweight clash between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith, aired on ESPN, attracted a substantial viewership, marking a strong start to the network’s 2024 boxing telecasts. According to Nielsen Media Research, the fight drew an average audience of 691,000 viewers, peaking at 793,000 during the main event. This bout, held at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada, featured Beterbiev defending his IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight titles.
Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), known for his power and skill in the ring, delivered a notable performance by becoming the first to knock down England’s Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) in both amateur and professional competition. Smith, previously only defeated by Canelo Alvarez, went down twice in the seventh round before the fight was stopped exactly two minutes into that round, adding a significant victory to Beterbiev's record.
The broadcast also included Christian Mbilli’s victory over Rohan Murdock, which was watched by an average audience of 502,000, peaking at 531,000. Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs), continuing his ascent in the super middleweight division, overwhelmed Murdock with relentless head and body shots, leading to a stoppage after the sixth round.
These figures reflect only linear television viewers in the United States, with actual total viewership likely being higher, considering ESPN does not release numbers for ESPN+, its streaming service. Additionally, the broadcast likely attracted a significant audience in Canada, where both Beterbiev and Mbilli reside and train.
Mbilli’s win positions him as a top contender for a challenge against Canelo Alvarez or other leading super middleweights. Rated first for Alvarez’s WBA and WBC titles, and also holding high rankings with the IBF and WBO, Mbilli’s performance cements his status in the super middleweight division.
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