Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith | ESPN - January 13, 2024

[Cent0089]

Smith should fight somebody before that. That layoffs in Beterbiev career are insane

[Evander]

Mid Jan 2024 is a ways away.
Long time to keep himself off the radar at his age.

[Ruthless-RKO]

The forgotten fight!

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Monzon83]

Age is going to catch up with Beterbiev eventually. But I think he’ll have too much for Smith.

Smith has the power to do some damage but not sure he has the willingness to trade. He went into his shell completely against Canelo and Artur is bigger and stronger.

[1394213]

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[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Undercard Information

On January 13, the Centre Videotron will kick off the new year in a big way in Quebec, as the unified world light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev, puts his belts on the line against the former super middleweight monarch, now the #1 contender in the light heavyweight division, Callum Smith.

In addition to this highly anticipated bout for boxing enthusiasts, three other championship fights will take place: Christian Mbilli defending his WBC Continental Americas title against Rohan Murdock, Jason Moloney attempting to claim the WBO world bantamweight belt from Saul Sanchez, and Imam Khataev having the opportunity to secure his first professional career title, the NABF against Rodolfo Gomez Jr.

Leila Beaudoin, Wilkens Mathieu, Christopher Guerrero, Mehmet Unal, and Moreno Fendero will also take part in this already historic gala!

Khataev (5-0, 5 KOs), managed to impress the Montreal organization's fans in his 2 outings in Quebec, with a performance marked by devastating power and solid technical abilities. The challenge will be elevated for him, currently ranked 184th globally, as he faces the 68th-ranked American standing at 6'3'', Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-7-3, 10 KOs), in a scheduled 10-round bout for the NABF light-heavyweight title.

Nicknamed "Cobrita," Gomez Jr has accumulated 125 rounds of experience, besides being a tough boxer known for the wars he's fought, notably against Diego Pacheco and Ahmed Elbiali.

Beaudoin's return (10-1, 1 KO) to Quebec City since her professional debut in October 2019 as she faces a significant challenge. She will confront the opponent who handed her the only defeat of her career on May 23rd in Cuernavaca, Mexico: Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza (4-4-3).

"I'm really looking forward to avenging my defeat and having the Quebec crowd behind me for this fight. I'm prepared to deliver a flawless performance, dominate Espinoza from the 1st to the last round. There will be no room for doubt in the judges' minds on January 13th at the Centre Vidéotron. I'm coming with a fierce determination and making it my duty!" says Beaudoin.

Mathieu (5-0, 3 KOs) who will finally be able to showcase his talent in front of his hometown. A Quebec native, celebrating his 19th birthday a few days earlier, he aims to gift himself a striking victory against his opponent, whose name will be revealed later.

"It will be a great birthday gift for me to start this new year by fighting in Quebec. Knowing the boxing fans in the area, I'm convinced they'll create an electrifying atmosphere, and that energy will fuel me in the ring! It'll be an explosive fight to kick off the year and for the fans in my hometown!" said Mathieu.

For his 10th career fight, #5 Canadian in the welterweight division, Guerrero (9-0, 5 KOs), aims to continue his streak of 5 spectacular victories by KO. He will face Sergio Garcia Herrera (7-3, 4 KOs), who makes his 2nd visit to Canada, having handed the #3 Canadian, Adrian Bembridge, his only career defeat by stopping him in the 2nd round last March. An intense battle is expected given the pace adopted by the Montrealer in his recent fights and the equally explosive offensive style of his opponent.

Still in the light heavyweight division, spectators will have the opportunity to witness the Turkish-origin boxer Mehmet Unal (7-0, 6 KOs) in an 8-round fight against Dragan Lepei (22-6-2, 10 KOs). Also representing the 160 division, the charismatic southpaw nicknamed "the Soldier," Moreno Fendero (2-0, 1 KO), will face Victor Hugo Flores (7-2, 3 KOs).

[AngryGoon38]

I'm rooting for "Callum Smith".

He could definitely Win this.

Hopefully he uses the correct strategy.

That's Really what it comes down to ultimately.

Very VERY Winnable bout for the Young Lanky Tough and Gritty Brit.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

This one's sneaking up on us now.. Considering it was supposed to be August 2023

[Ruthless-RKO]

BBN asked their panel of experts who they predict will win and why:

Dmitry Bivol WBA Super light-heavyweight champion

“I am giving more credit to Beterbiev because he has more experience and he is a tough fighter. Smith will want him to come close to him, he has long arms, but he usually closes the distance, he doesn’t use his arms and for Beterbiev that is good.”

Eddie Hearn Matchroom Boxing promoter

“Callum Smith is going to knock Beterbiev spark out! You know, like a face-down type of knockout!”

“Listen, you’re not being very brave because Beterbiev is the favorite. Watch. See this now. Sometimes you see it, and he’s [Callum Smith] is going to be up against the ropes, and Beterbiev is going to come in like he does and square up his feet, and Callum is going to do what he does best, which is to catch-counter with the left hook with a one-punch knockout.

“He’s definitely slipping. He’s like 39 years old, but he’s also a beast. He’s unbelievable. Sooner or later [he’s going to get beat].

“[Joe] Smith is done. Marcus Browne is a good fighter. How long ago was that? A year ago. No, it wasn’t. Did you see the Yarde fight?”

Tim Rickson BBN Editor

“With his fearsome record and aggressive style of fighting, it's easy to envisage yet another knockout win for Beterbiev. However, I'm envisaging a closely fought first half of the fight, with Beterbiev coming on strong late.

“Anthony Yarde showed the world that Beterbiev can be pushed back and hurt. There were a few occasions last January where Yarde landing a clean shot and forced Beterbiev to take a backwards step, however his head clears within 10 seconds and he turns it around quickly to get back on the offensive once more.

“With Smith much taller, bigger and with a longer reach, I think he could take control early but Beterbiev is a fighter you can keep away for long, so he will begin to catch up as the fight wears on.

“Smith has a ramrod jab, if he can use that to keep the distance whilst staying on the move and pivoting to his left constantly, then he could rack up an early lead. Canelo gave him hell during the championship rounds of their 2020 fight but Smith bravely got through quite a battering to hear the final bell, so he is as tough as they come. This is up at 175lbs and Beterbiev's stats speak for themselves, so Smith may not be able to endure the same punishment at the hands of this man. But Smith can punch too, and Beterbiev is getting on a bit at the age of 38 now. After 325 fights, that's a lot of years and mileage on the clock.

“I'm hoping Smith gets an early lead and maintains it to secure a points decision, but I actually think Beterbiev wins a good contest on points.”

Scott Christ Bad Left Hook

“I like Smith’s chances, as far as +500 underdogs go. He’s tempting at those odds, because he can punch and Beterbiev doesn’t exactly avoid confrontation.

“But I think it comes down to all-around offensive skill sets and the real estate of the fight. If Smith cracks Beterbiev at length, he’s incredibly dangerous here. If it gets into close quarters, which Beterbiev is extremely good at forcing, his still often overlooked skills should be too much for Smith, who is good at what he does, but what he does has its limits, which we’ve seen repeatedly.

“People still think of Beterbiev only as a mauler, and while I think it’s fair to think of him mainly as a mauler, there is technique, skill, and intelligence to what he does. Smith can knock him out; Smith can knock anyone out if he lands the right shot. But I’m going with the smart money on Beterbiev here. He’ll wear Smith down and stop him in the back end of the fight.

“Beterbiev TKO-9.”

[lazboy]

Bert is very old for boxing and I believe we will see some chinks in his armour based on that. Otherwise, I believe he will win dominantly albeit losing some moments.

In terms of Smith, he hasnt shown me enough grit. He may survive though.

[apollo creed]

Bert is very old for boxing and I believe we will see some chinks in his armour based on that. Otherwise, I believe he will win dominantly albeit losing some moments.

In terms of Smith, he hasnt shown me enough grit. He may survive though.

I think that too. But Arthur's style is ageing well bc of his huge punching-power.

[Oiky]

I still think Beterbiev has too much for Smith

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[geronimo]

Beterbiev should be win with no suprise. The only unknown is about his age.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Beterbiev: Like Mike Tyson Said - 'Everyone Will Have a Plan Before They Get Punched'

“I just try to do my job,” he said during Top Rank’s “A Tale of Ten Punches” show.

“I see a power puncher that comes forward, but he’s hittable,” Radivoje Kalajdzic told me before he challenged the Russian for the IBF 175-pound crown in May of 2019. “He’s been dropped twice, and I have power, as well, so it’s gonna be a fun night. I’m a come forward fighter, too. All my fights, I come forward and press the issue so it’s going to be interesting.”

“It’s like Mike Tyson said, ‘Everyone will have a plan before they get punched,’” said Beterbiev on “A Tale of Ten Punches.”

“When you box with a southpaw it is a little bit different,” said Beterbiev, who had a slow start before starting to take over. Then a clash of heads produced a nasty cut in the middle of his forehead and the complexion of the fight changed.

“When I got cut, my blood is not stopping,” Beterbiev said. “When you prepare for a fight, you need to be ready for different scenarios.”

“One sparring partner compared sparring with me with car accident,” said Beterbiev on “A Tale of Ten Punches.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[omalley]

Press Release | Undercard Information
Khataev (5-0, 5 KOs), managed to impress the Montreal organization's fans in his 2 outings in Quebec, with a performance marked by devastating power and solid technical abilities. The challenge will be elevated for him, currently ranked 184th globally, as he faces the 68th-ranked American standing at 6'3'', Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-7-3, 10 KOs), in a scheduled 10-round bout for the NABF light-heavyweight title.

Now it's not Gomez Jr, but Joaquin Murrieta Lucio (12-12-3, 10 KOs), #277 at SMW, and no NABF light-heavyweight title...
https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/700443

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Undercard Information
Khataev (5-0, 5 KOs), managed to impress the Montreal organization's fans in his 2 outings in Quebec, with a performance marked by devastating power and solid technical abilities. The challenge will be elevated for him, currently ranked 184th globally, as he faces the 68th-ranked American standing at 6'3'', Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-7-3, 10 KOs), in a scheduled 10-round bout for the NABF light-heavyweight title.

Now it's not Gomez Jr, but Joaquin Murrieta Lucio (12-12-3, 10 KOs), #277 at SMW, and no NABF light-heavyweight title...
https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/700443

How crap!

[Thomastearns]

Scott Christ Bad Left Hook

“I like Smith’s chances, as far as +500 underdogs go. He’s tempting at those odds, because he can punch and Beterbiev doesn’t exactly avoid confrontation."


If it wasn't for the generous odds no one but Eddie Hearn would be backing Smith. The age/injury concerns have been there for a while but Beterbiev has so far been that much better than anyone else that they didn't matter, and probably won't matter until he faces the skilled and elusive Bivol.

No idea why Hearn is so certain Smith will knock Beterbiev out cold.


“Callum Smith is going to knock Beterbiev spark out! You know, like a face-down type of knockout!

Listen, you’re not being very brave because Beterbiev is the favorite. Watch. See this now. Sometimes you see it, and he’s [Callum Smith] is going to be up against the ropes, and Beterbiev is going to come in like he does and square up his feet, and Callum is going to do what he does best, which is to catch-counter with the left hook with a one-punch knockout."


Does Eddie know something we don't?

Anyway, although I think Smith is a good technical boxer, Beterbiev's boxing skills are grossly underrated.

[margaret thatcher]

well he is smith's promoter

[Ruthless-RKO]

FIGHT PICKS

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: SMITH TKO 7
“An excellent fight. Beterbiev has been a monster at light heavyweight and Smith looks a force of nature since he stepped up. For me, it’s a pick ’em fight and you could easily make a case for either man. Is Beterbiev showing signs of wear and tear? Will Smith be ring rusty? I’m hoping for a Beterbiev win, nothing against Smith, as it looks like Beterbiev has an agreement in principle with Dmitry Bivol, which is a fight I’ve wanted to see for undisputed for the longest time. However, I don’t think we’ll see it though, I have a feeling Smith upsets Beterbiev and instead inserts himself in position to face Bivol. Both Beterbiev and Smith are heavy handed. But I think Smith has a little more about him than Anthony Yarde, who gave Beterbiev a really hard nights work. Since then, he’s had a jaw injury that required surgery. Smith can’t start slowly, that will allow Beterbiev to put hands on him and make his mark early. I think Smith will land something significant and hurt and maybe drop Beterbiev early. He’ll then grow in confidence and hurt the defending champion and pounce on him and force the referee to jump in in the seventh round.”

LEE GROVES: BETERBIEV KO 11
“Smith’s considerable advantages in youth, height and wingspan as well as his educated jab and his power surge at 175 makes victory a definite possibility. However, those assets will be counteracted by Smith’s nearly 17-month layoff and the fact that he is a more hittable target than he should be. Smith will probably win the early rounds, but Beterbiev’s trademark mid-fight surge, boulder-like hands and underrated ring generalship will eventually earn him his 20th KO in 20 pro fights.”

DIEGO MORILLA: BETERBIEV KO 10
“Records don’t tell the whole story, but there are exceptions. This is one of those situations. Beterbiev is a monster who never fails to impress, and this is his chance to grab the spotlight and finally get all the credit he thinks he deserves – and with good reason. Dmitry Bivol’s win over Canelo Alvarez shifted the attention of the entire division to Beterbiev’s fellow Russian titlist, but a knockout win over Smith could change that. Callum is a solid and skilled fighter who can make the fight interesting for a few rounds, but I expect Beterbiev to score a stoppage win that will put his career in high gear and set up the Ring championship fight with Bivol that we’re all waiting for.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: BETERBIEV KO
“I was an early backer of Callum Smith, but both a lack of recent activity and his result against a truly elite boxer in Canelo Alvarez dissuaded me here. Beterbiev has an elite skillset and more power than Alvarez; I expect both to make their mark early in this fight. An early knockdown and aggressive follow-up will put Smith on his back foot, but not out of danger. I don’t expect a clean knockout, but either Smith’s corner or the referee will stop the bout before it reaches double digits in rounds. I would wager KO by 7th or 9th round.”

RON BORGES: BETERBIEV TKO 9
“Callum Smith is a tough guy and a worthy opponent. His problem is Beterbiev is a BEAST. Eventually, one night, he ill meet his match. But this is not the night or the match. Beterbiev by ninth-round stoppage.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: BETERBIEV TKO 10
“Beterbiev is 38 and will be 39 a week after opening bell. He’s almost middle-aged. But he’s still perfect, and the guess here is that he’ll be able to celebrate that perfection all over again on his Jan. 21st birthday. Callum Smith is capable enough. His versatile skillset is a threat to just about anybody. But Beterbiev. at just about any age, is not just anyone. Smith has never encountered this blend of precision and power, which is complemented by a predatory instinct. He knows how to finish and when to finish. It accounts for his record — 19 fights, 19 victories, 19 stoppages. Nothing figures to change that, not even another birthday just days after he fights to go 20-0, all by KO.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): BETERBIEV TKO 10
“While I definitely see chinks in the armour in Beterbiev, he should have enough to see off Smith. While the champion Beterbiev has the perfect 19 wins no defeats, all by KO – at 38 years old you can grow old overnight in this business. The champion is a predator, he will almost certainly target the body of Smith before switching the attack to the head. He won’t be distracted with talk of a unification fight with the quite brilliant WBA boss Bivol – that’s the golden chalice. Smith, who was the former world champion at super middleweight, was crushed by Canelo and for me Beterbiev is better than Canelo – bold statement, I know. This will be over by the 10th round. Beterbiev by TKO.”

STEVE FARHOOD (TV ANALYST): BETERBIEV TKO
“While Beterbiev often takes a bit of time to get started, he is the closest thing in boxing to a pure BEAST. Callum will trouble him for a few rounds, but I prefer Smith at 168, as opposed to 175. Smith is tough enough, as he proved against Canelo. Nonetheless, in terms of punching power at this weight, Canelo is no Beterbiev. Beterbiev by late-round stoppage.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): SMITH TKO 6
“I’m going against the grain here, but I’ll make an earnest attempt to justify the pick. Beterbiev is a terrific fighter and anyone involved in boxing knows that. However, I do believe that his fierce reputation and 100-percent knockout ratio frequently glosses over the flaws. The unified champ is 38-years old, he is hittable, he’s been off his feet before, and Anthony Yarde’s punches backed him up than once in his most recent fight. When Smith is at his best he scores with shots that opponent’s don’t see. He’s punching very well at 175 pounds and I think Beterbiev’s aggression will work against him here. A lot of people reference the Liverpool man’s loss to Canelo, but it’s apples and oranges. Canelo was the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world at that time and he imposed his boxing skills on Smith. This is a different kind of fighter altogether and I’m rolling with the underdog.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): BETERBIEV TKO 4
“Callum Smith is a good fighter who represents himself very well, he has a solid jab, he’s always in shape, and he’ll come into this fight with a sizeable height and reach advantage. Beterbiev has been elite at 175-pounds for years now, with his only downfall being his inactivity. Luckily for him, his opponent hasn’t been in the ring much either. This will be Smith’s first fight in about 17 months, and he has only fought six rounds in over a two year span. Artur Beterbiev is not someone who will allow his opponent to shake off the ring rust in the early rounds. I expect Beterbiev to put pressure on Smith early on, getting him out of there comfortably before the midway point of this fight. Artur Beterbiev by fourth-round TKO.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): SMITH SD
“Power vs experience, I like this fight. Beterbiev has knocked out everyone he has faced. Smith is hungry, and even though he was clearly shut out by Canelo Alvarez a few years ago, I believe he learned a lot in that fight, and that will help him in this bout. Beterbiev is the strongest Smith has faced but I believe the key here will be patience he gained with experience. Smith must keep at a distance and not allow Beterbiev to cut off the ring and he needs to stay off the ropes. He must keep moving and use his jab double and even triple it up. I see a tactical fight in the first half and in the second half Smith will take more chances and Beterbiev tires out. In the end, I will go against the odds: Smith by 12-round split decision.”

OLEKSANDR GVODZYK (FORMER LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLIST): BETERBIEV TKO
“I saw only one fight of Smith, against Canelo, and I didn’t see any competition. Smith is a rangy guy, but doesn’t really like using his advantage. Beterbiev is physically stronger than Canelo, and he will find out how to get to in a comfortable distance from Smith. Then you will see pretty much the same picture as you saw in Beterbiev’s last five fights. He will break Smith down. Unless Smith lands something big (possibly drops Beterbiev), but this scenario seems to be close to impossible. We will see. Who knows? Maybe all of sudden Beterbiev would show some signs of fading, like what people say about his performance against Yarde. But I think it was just underestimation. Beterbiev will stop him.”

RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): BETERBIEV TKO 6
“I can imagine of no more terrifying prospect in boxing today than climbing into the ring to face off against Artur Beterbiev. That’s the frightening prospect facing Callum Smith, who is in fact, a very good fighter, with a very good punch. All of Artur’s fights seem the same to me, relentless beatdowns from the opening bell to when the opponent inevitably falls. Smith does have some things working for him, good ring generalship, and a very powerful punch. One of the things Smith does best is a counter left hook with power, which could be very effective in this fight if Beterbiev lunges forward. In fact, that punch and his sneaky right are going to have to land, and land with effect, to get some respect from Beterbiev and slow down his assault some. However, I suspect that Callum will be susceptible to the bullying tactics of Beterbiev. His punches will lose sharpness along the way. Once that happens, Beterbiev will have things all his way, and will pummel Smith into submission in six rounds.”

TONY SIMS (TRAINER): SMITH
“I think Smith has great chance of winning. We see Yarde have a great fight with Beterbiev, and until the finish (Yarde) was up on the cards. Callum is a world class fighter and puncher, he has all the attributes to win this fight. I go for Smith either late stoppage or points.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): BETERBIEV TKO 10
“I think that Beterbiev is the better fighter in this fight and I think that he fought the better opposition, which plays a big part. Beterbiev is also the true light heavyweight. With that said, I think Smith will give Beterbiev some problems, but once he feels Beterbiev power his game plans will change. I think it is going to be a slow fight in the beginning, but like Beterbiev does he will bring in on towards the end of the fight. Beterbiev TKO 10.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): BETERBIEV KO
“Beterbiev is a beast, he has a great eye to find openings. Smith has good skills and is there to fight. The fact that Smith is there and fights put him in the danger zone. Unfortunately, we’ll never know how good Beterbiev could’ve been since he’s now older and started late as a pro. I like Beterbiev by knockout, I just hope he doesn’t get old on fight night.”

VADIM KORNILOV: (MANAGER): BETERBIEV TKO
“A very good and competitive fight. Both boxers have experience and pedigree. I think Beterbiev’s power can make the difference in this fight. If I have to make a prediction, then yes, Beterbiev by stoppage.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): BETERBIEV KO
“There’s no doubt Beterbiev is creaking, nearing the end of a remarkable career. There for the taking is perhaps overstating it, but he’s starting to look a little more human. And Callum Smith can really bang. But Smith was dominated by Canelo when he stepped up, and that perspective is at the forefront of my mind. Smith invites pressure, perhaps naturally as a sharp, fast counter puncher, and we know Beterbiev produces heavy, suffocating intimidation. They could me made for each other. Initially I thought the timing of this would favour Smith but now I’m sensing it’s simply about levels and quality. So Beterbiev gets the vote in a classy shootout but I won’t be surprised at all if it’s the other way round.“

​WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): BETERBIEV KO 9
“If Callum Smith can use his range and work his long left jabs followed by rights to the head, he can keep the power puncher Beterbiev from coming in close. However, Beterbiev will want to get close to the taller Smith and try to land short rights and left hooks to his opponent’s head, and if he catches Smith it could be over early. I think Smith is tough enough to stay in the fight for a while and will have success, but Beterbiev will probably catch him with a left hook to the chin and get a knockout around the ninth.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): BETERBIEV TKO 10
“Smith is rugged, tough and has a puncher’s chance, but skill-wise Beterbiev is overall the better boxer. I’m going with Beterbiev in late round stoppage. Beterbiev in round 10.”

DANIEL AZEEZ (LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER): BETERBIEV TKO
“Stylistically it’s a great fight, both fighters are big punchers and both fighters have underrated ring smarts. I can envisage Callum boxing and catching Artur maybe coming in and I can also envisage Artur wearing down Callum with power and pressure. One thing I can’t envisage is for both to hear the last bell! My brain says Artur, my heart says Callum. I’ll go with Artur.”


Final Tally: Beterbiev 17-4

[Ruthless-RKO]

“It’s classed as an atypical finding, it’s not a pass, it’s not a fail. I’m not a scientist but the fight is still happening, that’s the main thing. I’m here to become world champion, I’m here to take his belts and go home.

“No, as long as it’s not a failed test and the fight still goes ahead there is no point worrying or talking about it. I’m fully focused on becoming a two-division world champion this weekend.”

[Ruthless-RKO]