Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith | ESPN - June 18, 2022

[Thomastearns]

The best fight on the horizon.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Here it is!!

[apollo creed]

Here it is!!

Joe Smith Jr is in big trouble. Arthur is so strong in training. He's like an ironman. Very strong human being. When Arthur punched Browne, you can actually see that powerful-crushing impact of Arthur's punches. His punching power must be out of this world.

I think AB will stop Smith jr.

[margaret thatcher]

im offended that artur was riding his bike without a helmet, im boycotting this fight now

[KiwiRider]

Seems the poll is rather lopsided.
And I think Joe is going out on his shield here, unfortunately.
The guy has too big a heart not to.
Should be a crowd pleaser while it lasts though.

[Enlightened-One]

We should have another poll asking forum members to guess whether Artur Beterbiev will receive his purse in a timely manner?

[margaret thatcher]

why would the great canadian boxer artur beterbiev not get paid in a timely manner?

[Enlightened-One]

why would the great canadian boxer artur beterbiev not get paid in a timely manner?

Probably the same reason why the renowned Californian resident, Dmitry Bivol, didn't get paid in a timely manner?

Dmitry Bivol’s first bout in California took place seven years ago.

Artur Beterbiev’s first bout in Montreal took place nine years ago.

I suspect both guys have dual citizenship and both have properties near the locations of their gyms, coupled with the fact that both of them will regularly spend a decent amount of time in Russia visiting their friends and family.

Both fighters obviously spend little time with native English or French speakers, because neither are very good at speaking those languages.

Beterbiev’s next fight is located in the USA, the same location as Bivol’s most recent outing.

[Bandog]

why would the great canadian boxer artur beterbiev not get paid in a timely manner?

Probably the same reason why the renowned Californian resident, Dmitry Bivol, didn't get paid in a timely manner?

I suspect both guys have dual citizenship and both have properties near the locations of their gyms, coupled with the fact that both of them will regularly spend a decent amount of time in Russia visiting their friends and family.

Both fighters obviously spend little time with native English or French speakers, because neither are very good at speaking those languages.

Beterbiev’s next fight is located in the USA, the same location as Bivol’s most recent outing.

The difference is Beterbiev is a legal citizen of Canada. No issues.
Bivol is a Russian citizen.

[Enlightened-One]

why would the great canadian boxer artur beterbiev not get paid in a timely manner?

Probably the same reason why the renowned Californian resident, Dmitry Bivol, didn't get paid in a timely manner?

I suspect both guys have dual citizenship and both have properties near the locations of their gyms, coupled with the fact that both of them will regularly spend a decent amount of time in Russia visiting their friends and family.

Both fighters obviously spend little time with native English or French speakers, because neither are very good at speaking those languages.

Beterbiev’s next fight is located in the USA, the same location as Bivol’s most recent outing.

The difference is Beterbiev is a legal citizen of Canada. No issues.
Biology is a Russian citizen.

Bob Arum says Beterbiev has the Canadian equivalent of a green card.

And I'm assuming Bivol must actually own a green card, because he works and resides in the USA.

I hope I'm wrong and that Beterbiev gets paid quickly.

I predicted problems for Bivol and I was annoyed to be proven right.

[Bandog]

https://www.BS.com/wbc-prez-ex ... lt--165678

[Enlightened-One]

https://www.BS.com/wbc-prez-explains-wh ... lt--165678

Thanks for that link.

The difference between Bivol and Beterbiev’s situations still seems trivial to me, except for the former based in the USA, whereas the latter resides in Canada.

Both men have a legal right (via each countries equivalent of a green card) to remain in the USA or Canada, which is reflected on their passports.

Ultimately, it was the American authorities that was Bivol’s main obstacle for getting paid. And I’m assuming the same set of people will be dealing with Beterbiev’s purse, since his next bout is also in the USA.

There’s a lot of undeniable similarities with the situations of both men.

Like I said before, I really do hope that Beterbev gets paid quickly, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he encounters problems.

[Bandog]

I hope Beterbiev wins. Him vs Bivol would be great.

[Evander]

One of those fights you might be able to see the winner early no matter how far it goes.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Now it's fight week!

No one cares??

[DrDuke]

Now it's fight week!

No one cares??

A one of the hottest matchups despite its predictable nature.

[Cent0089]

Now it's fight week!

No one cares??

Im going in this with Beterbiev by stoppage. But KO by Smith would not be surprising

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Beterbiev vs. Smith LIVE On ESPN @ Hulu Theater At MSG!

Beterbiev-Smith & Robeisy Ramirez-Abraham Nova featherweight co-feature will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Three belts and light heavyweight supremacy will be at stake when WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev meets WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. in a highly anticipated unification showdown Saturday, June 18, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Beterbiev, boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout rate, hopes to pick up another strap against “Cinderella Man” Smith, a Long Island native who grew up about 70 miles from Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez will battle the unbeaten Abraham “El Super” Nova. Beterbiev-Smith and Ramirez-Nova will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets starting at $56 go on sale Friday, May 6 at 12 p.m. ET, and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.

“Beterbiev versus Smith is one of the very best fights that can be made in boxing, two huge punchers fighting at Madison Square Garden in what will be an electric atmosphere. Whoever comes out on top will be the true king of the light heavyweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Robeisy Ramirez has developed into a sensational pro, and he will have his hands full against a tough, undefeated kid in Abraham Nova. The winner will be in line to fight for a featherweight world title.”

“I am thrilled we were able to put this sensational championship unification fight together,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “The top two punchers in boxing fighting each other for their three world titles. It has been brewing for a long time and is a potential fight of the year. Joe Smith Jr. is proud of his humble background and hard-working union ‘Common Man’ moniker, but he is also truly special and a real champ. He could have chosen an easier path, but he wanted the best and toughest out there, the guy everyone is afraid to fight. Credit to both champions, each fighting the toughest, hardest-punching and most dangerous foe the division has. I can’t wait to see this fight!”

Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs), a two-time Russian Olympian, has spent his nine-year pro career based in Montreal, Canada. He has been a world champion since knocking out Enrico Koelling for the IBF strap in November 2017. He’s won five title fights inside the distance since then, including an off-the-deck victory over Callum Johnson and a title unification classic versus Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019. Beterbiev went 2-0 in 2021, capping the year with December’s brutal ninth-round stoppage over longtime contender Marcus Browne.

“I look forward to the challenge ahead of me. Joe Smith Jr. is a worthy champion, but I am coming to Madison Square Garden to add another world title to my collection,” Beterbiev said. “This fight will get me one step closer to becoming undisputed champion.”

Smith (28-3, 22 KOs) earned mainstream recognition with his 2016 knockout of living legend Bernard Hopkins and scored standout wins over Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez in 2020. In his second world title attempt, he outlasted Maxim Vlasov in a 2021 Fight of the Year Contender. Smith successfully defend his world title in January with a ninth-round stoppage over late replacement Steve Geffrard.

Smith said, “I am extremely excited and focused on this task I have ahead. Facing Beterbiev is huge. It is going to be a fight that fans remember forever, with two of the biggest punches in boxing today facing off. This opportunity is a dream of mine to accomplish. Fighting with three titles on the line is one step closer to becoming undisputed.”

Working with longtime trainer JERRY CAPOBIANCO, Smith is very happy with his training camp for this fight.

“We stayed home as we always do, we have everything we need right here on Long Island,” said the hard-hitting Smith. “Every camp we add in different things that work for me to make me a better boxer and I’ve improved greatly the last few years. That and my conditioning has improved which has helped me to have strong second halves of fights.”

“Last Sunday I was out on the beach working by digging holes and running with a parachute in the sand. It’s a little different but great for my strength and conditioning. I know I’ll be fully prepared for Beterbiev on June 18.”

“I’ve been hearing about Beterbiev being the best in the light heavyweight for a few years. He’s knocking everyone out and they call him the boogeyman of the division but I’m ready mentally and physically for the fight.”

“I’m very happy to be fighting at Madison Square Garden, I’ve never fought there as a professional, just as an amateur in the Gloves. I haven’t fought at home in six years but I’m sure I’ll have a lot of support from Long Island on fight night.”

Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing said, “Joe and I have been together on this incredible journey for almost ten years. I am proud we were able to provide him with the opportunities that enabled him to become a world champion. From developmental fights on Long Island as a prospect to fighting on boxing’s biggest stages, Joe has always taken the biggest challenges and comes prepared for victory. He has been working hard and keeps learning. His hard work has been on display over the course of his career as he has improved in all facets in the ring.”

“June 18 is going to be a very special night, a three-belt world title unification between two very talented, hard punching light heavyweights at The Mecca of Boxing. Boxing fans and longtime loyal supporters of Joe have definitely picked up on the excitement of the fight as advance ticket sales have been phenomenal.”

Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) has been on a sterling run since a shocking loss in his August 2019 professional debut. An Olympic champion in 2012 and 2016, Ramirez is coming off one-sided victories over the unbeaten Orlando Gonzalez and Irish veteran Eric Donovan. Nova (21-0, 15 KOs), who spent much of his career at junior lightweight, has been flawless since moving up to the featherweight ranks. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, Nova knocked out William Encarnacion in eight rounds on the Smith-Geffrard undercard in January.

Ramirez said, “I have always wanted to display my talent on a stage as important as the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Come June 18, I will not only take advantage of this big opportunity, but I will also hand Nova the first loss of his career. I’m going to take a big leap in my quest to become world champion, and above all, showcase my class and give boxing fans another great performance. I will make clear that ‘El Tren’ is a true powerhouse in the featherweight division.”

Nova said, “Robeisy is a great talent, and he’s the fighter that will get me to that next level. I need a statement victory. Beating a two-time gold medalist puts me right in the title picture. The better the competition, the better I look. Nobody has seen the best of me yet, and I will show that on June 18.”

The undercard, which will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, is scheduled to feature many of the sport’s rising superstars. In six-round bouts, Brooklyn-born featherweight puncher Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (3-0, 2 KOs) and Long Island welterweight Jahi Tucker (7-0, 4 KOs) hope to extend their unbeaten records. U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (5-0, 3 KOs), fresh off his knockout win on the Oscar Valdez-Shakur Stevenson undercard, returns in a six-round middleweight bout. Featherweight Kurt Walker (2-0, 1 KO) and junior middleweight Kieran Molloy (1-0, 1 KO), both of whom starred for the Irish national team as amateurs, will make their respective U.S. debuts.

[MightyWarrior]

Slugger Joe is up against it, but he must quietly fancy his chances against the Beast.
Arts been put over twice, against Page and was knocked doolally for a few secs against Johnson.
If Smith can land early and often he could pull off a shocker.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Picks

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING MAGAZINE/RINGTV.COM

TOM GRAY: BETERBIEV TKO 8

“I like Beterbiev to win a high-contact battle that will leave fans with their mouths open. The styles can’t fail to gel, so I think we’re in for a potential Fight of the Year. Given their respective KO ratios, I foresee both guys visiting canvas early and being shaken up throughout. I just think Beterbiev has that something extra. But with all that said, I leave the door open for Smith. He is a huge puncher and Beterbiev must be careful.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: BETERBIEV TKO 10

“An excellent high-impact fight on paper, and one that should live up to expectations, really exciting. Both men are noted punchers, who are both very offensive. In some ways, it’s about who blinks first. I think Smith may take the better shot but Beterbiev is the better, more rounded fighter. Neither is hard to find and so I expect there to be a lot of action in a battle of wills and ultimately attrition. I wouldn’t be shocked if Beterbiev is down early but climbs off the canvas to walk Smith down to score a late stoppage. Beterbiev to score a bloody 10th round stoppage win.”

LEE GROVES: BETERBIEV KO 11

“It really helps Smith’s cause that this fight is being staged in New York City because Madison Square Garden’s Theater will be stuffed with his raucous Long Island supporters, whose sonic support could lift their man’s performance level exponentially. Given Beterbiev’s history of slow starts and early knockdowns, Smith’s best chance is to jump on the Russian early and hope one of his bombs will end Beterbiev’s fight before it really gets started. But if Beterbiev gets past the early storm and kicks into a higher gear (usually around the third or fourth round), he has the skill, ruggedness and big punch to emerge victorious in the later rounds.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: BETERBIEV TKO 6

“I look at the Artur Beterbiev-Joe Smith Jr. fight, in advance, the same I did Devin Haney – George Kambosos Jr. encounter in retrospect… an elite boxer against a very good boxer. While I admire and respect Smith for getting the most out of his abilities and career, Beterbiev is a cut above sporting superior experience, reflexes (even at age 37), speed, skillset, and most importantly pure power! I’d be shocked if the fight goes the distance, and somewhat surprised if the fight sees double-digit rounds. I look for Beterbiev to take a couple rounds to get warmed up and gauge Smith, after that the power punches and connect rate improves with each stanza before Beterbiev stops Smith in the sixth round.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: BETERBIEV TKO

“This matchup is guaranteed to bring violence. Beterbiev is the older fighter and has had periods of inactivity in his career. Given his style, at some point he’s going to “look old overnight” in the ring. Additionally, Smith has shown improvement in recent bouts. One could make the argument that he’s faced the better opposition over the last 5-6 years. All that being said, I just can’t bet against the Russian. He might be the strongest fighter pound-for-pound in all of boxing. Beterbiev late TKO.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: BETERBIEV TKO 11

“Beterbiev has 17 fights, 17 victories, 17 KOs. Expect the perfection to continue. Despite the perfect record, there have been some recent flaws in Beterbiev, who turned 37 in January. But there aren’t enough of them for Joe Smith to score an upset of the proficient Russian turned Canadian. Smith is tough, but Dmitry Bivol was just seconds from stopping him at the end of a one-sided decision in March 2019. In his 18th pro bout, look for Beterbiev to do what narrowly eluded Bivol.”

DIEGO MORILLA: BETERBIEV KO 8

“It’s hard to dislike Joe Smith, a working-class hero inside and outside the ring. His crowd-pleasing style makes for great fights, and his clash against Beterbiev could be a great fight while it lasts, but unfortunately it won’t last long. Beterbiev is a force of nature, and although sometimes he takes more punches than what he should he is still much too powerful for Smith to harbor any hope of reaching the final bell. A competitive bout in the early going will become a demolition once the damage starts to pile up on Smith.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): BETERBIEV SD

“With the recent spate of unification fights, this is the best of the bunch. Beterbiev is a human wrecking ball. No, he’s more than that, he also possesses and intelligence not gifted to men his weight. Beterbiev is a quite brilliant all-rounder, who will surely be put through the wringer when he fights Smith Jr. in this mouth-watering unification fight. Smith goes into this on a four-fight winning run. I wouldn’t back against Smith if he was fighting anyone else and I mean no one. But I see Beterbiev as the winner via split decision.”

ANDY LEE (FORMER WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ TRAINER/ TV ANALYST): BETERBIEV KO

“I like Smith, he’s big, strong and has power in both hands. I think Smith will have some success but the educated pressure from Beterbiev will be too much. I pick Beterbiev by late KO.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): BETERBIEV TKO 9

“This fight will be a war. Smith will have some good moments early on but I feel Beterbiev will break him down a get a late round stoppage. Beterbiev in nine rounds.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): BETERBIEV TKO 10

“I think Beterbiev is going to be too strong for Smith. Smith will start to feel it later in the fight that is why I am picking a later knockout. Beterbiev TKO 10. I am however routing for Smith so if he can pull the upset, that would shake up the division and make it even better.”

GILBERTO RAMIREZ (FORMER WBO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): BETERBIEV TKO

“It’s an underrated fight. Both are rugged and have power in both hands. My prediction is Beterbiev will stop Joe Smith Jr. in the mid-to-late rounds.”

KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER, MAIN EVENTS): BETERBIEV TKO 6

“I think that Joe smith will make the fight fun for as long as it lasts. But I suspect that Beterbiev is just too strong for him. I’m picking Beterbiev to stop Smith in six.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): BETERBIEV TKO

“This should be a good fight to watch and I expect Beterbiev to win by knockout. Smith is big and strong but he’s simply too easy to hit while Beterbiev is as close to suffocating certainty as it gets inside a boxing ring. Smith will serve up openings for Beterbiev, who carries fearsome power until the very end. The stoppage could come at any time really but I see Beterbiev beating up Smith inside eight rounds.”

STEVE FARHOOD (TV ANALYST): BETERBIEV TKO

“There’s a temptation to say, “The winner will be whichever puncher lands first,” but I have to favor Beterbiev because … he’s likely to land first! In a fight that will feature heavy, heavy punches, I’ll go Beterbiev by late-rounds stoppage.”

JEAN PASCAL (FORMER WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): BETERBIEV KO 6

“I think it’s a good fight. It’s two punchers, so whoever lands first will probably win. I’m leaning toward Beterbiev because I think he’s more skilled and has a better amateur background.”

CALLUM SMITH (FORMER RING/ WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): BETERBIEV TKO

“Good fight. Both big punchers, who won’t have to go looking for each other. I think Beterbiev’s better skill level will be the difference. Beterbiev by late stoppage.”

ERIC BOTTJER (MATCHMAKER): BETERBIEV TKO 9

“Beterbiev will win inside the distance, say by Round 9. He throws more, lands more, is the harder puncher and the overall better fighter. Nobody can top Joe Smith’s toughness, but in this case that only results in the bout going past six rounds.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER WBC JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ TV ANALYST): SMITH TKO 9

“Joe Smith Jr. and Artur Beterbiev are two of the most heavy-handed punchers in boxing. Both are also proven to take a big punch, so this fight will go rounds. I see Beterbiev having success early and Smith timing him with something big. I think power, youth and blue-collared championship experience are enough to take down the monster.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): BETERBIEV TKO

“Beterbiev vs. Smith looks to be a really good fight as they both seem to like to engage. The fight will be competitive as long as it lasts. Smith’s jab will give Beterbiev a bit of a problem at the beginning, but once Beterbiev over comes it, he’ll breakdown Smith little-by-little. I think Beterbiev will stop Smith in the second half of the fight. Beterbiev is getting older and is slowing down a bit, but in this fight, I think he will have enough of what it takes to beat Smith by late stoppage.”

Final Tally: Beterbiev 19-1

[margaret thatcher]

i dunno.......

i feel like ever since he was scheduled to fight fonfara, smith has been really underrated and a lot of people just refuse to give him respect. watching their fights , and considering berts age, i dont feel he should be a massive fave

[DrDuke]

i dunno.......

i feel like ever since he was scheduled to fight fonfara, smith has been really underrated and a lot of people just refuse to give him respect. watching their fights , and considering berts age, i dont feel he should be a massive fave

Bert's age isn't critical. His career was safe enough, barely you'll find a tough fight on his records. He hasn't shown any signs of decline.

[margaret thatcher]

i mean, just watching his last fight vs marky browne, though he won well.......im just not seeing a guy who should be a big fave over smokin joseph

but gawdt dang, it's almost here, i'm f@cking pumped for this one

[DrDuke]

i mean, just watching his last fight vs marky browne, though he won well.......im just not seeing a guy who should be a big fave over smokin joseph

but gawdt dang, it's almost here, i'm f@cking pumped for this one

Bert's last fight is exactly the reason to pick him. He was rusty vs Deines, but against Browne he proved, that he can destroy him when he wants it.

[Enlightened-One]

86% of the forum expect Beterbiev to beat Smith Jr., with the majority predicting the victory coming by way of KO.

But in my mind, the likelihood of an upset is strong, despite the Russian deserving his status of being the favourite.

I’m not sure if six months is long enough for Beterbiev’s skin to completely heal from the terrible cut he suffered against Marcus Browne.