Artur Beterbiev is prepped to defend his IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. Originally scheduled for August 19th, the bout was moved to January 13th, after Beterbiev, 38, underwent dental surgery. The showdown between Beterbiev and Smith will be broadcasted live on ESPN platforms.
Despite the lengthy delay, boxing enthusiasts are looking forward to the clash. Speculations hint at a potential future match between Beterbiev and WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol if Beterbiev overcomes Smith. However, for Smith, who stands at an impressive 6’3”, the key to victory lies in leveraging his height and reach. Critics argue that Smith's tendency to crowd his opponents and engage in close combat could be his downfall against a powerhouse like Beterbiev.
Recent performances have cast doubts over Smith's capabilities. He was notably outclassed by Canelo Alvarez in 2020, leading to a unanimous decision defeat. Following this loss, instead of taking on elite fighters to reclaim his reputation, Smith opted for bouts against perceived softer opponents, like Lenin Castillo and Mathieu Bauderlique. This strategic matchmaking has led some to believe that Smith hasn’t earned his title shot genuinely.
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