Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith | Sky Sports - 13 January 2024

[gregregegg]

Scary for smith finding out Beterbiev has had adverse findings on tests for testosterone and HGH…. Not so far out of scope he is banned, but higher than expected.

I have no idea of what the actual levels found were but it Sounds like TRT (and a growth hormone equivalent), not going out of the natural range, but boosting a 40 year olds hormones right up to the high end for a 25 year old…

That would have to fornicate with smiths head in the build up.

[margaret thatcher]

they didnt even test outside the legal amount? dont see how can really get too fussy then

[gregregegg]

they didnt even test outside the legal amount? dont see how can really get too fussy then

Well that’s what I thought what I read implied. That’s why the fights still going on. It just tested higher than they think it should for him.

You can’t just be 40 with average testosterone and boost your test to the maximum range of a 25 year old with top 1 % testosterone…

It’s still illegal to use performance enhancing drugs to stay within the legal amount as far as I’m aware… unless you have a therapeutic use exemption (which I think should be banned, harsh, but honestly if your endocrinic system is not good… that’s your body, just like I’d your 5”4 trying to play basketball…)

It’s a sticky situation.

[margaret thatcher]

hmmm i guess its tricky with the ones the body naturally produces. how do you prove that they used it as a ped when you cant fall back on it being above the limit. a wild swing in levels or something?

although tbf, bert does seem like a bit of a stud, maybe his levels really are just like that

[gregregegg]

hmmm i guess its tricky with the ones the body naturally produces. how do you prove that they used it as a ped when you cant fall back on it being above the limit. a wild swing in levels or something?

although tbf, bert does seem like a bit of a stud, maybe his levels really are just like that

I’m a bit out of my depth on it… I guess they have a line that if you cross you get banned. And it sounds like he hasn’t crossed it…

I’m guessing what’s happens here is either Bert has tested very close to that limit which is suspect for a 40 year old….


Alternately some sports do individual “passports for athletes based on past results, in this situation it could be an adverse finding if Bert has tested significantly higher than he normally tests which is suspicious (but Mabey just not so much higher that they are willing to ban him.)

Although I’m not really sure.

[emallini]

Good job Beterbiev is not some ghetto black amercian or it would be outrage. This will be forgotton.

[gregregegg]

Good job Beterbiev is not some ghetto black amercian or it would be outrage. This will be forgotton.

Ah yes, the Russians are so much more popular right now than the blacks…

[Kilburn]

I think I'm mixing you up with another chap.

A brit challenging for the right to be number 1 at the weight is a decent fight.

I think it hasn't caught on because Callum is a boring guy. He seems like a nice fellow but I already know the answers to the questions he's getting asked before he answers them. The press conference earlier was a tough watch. I kind of respect that though. He comes in and attempts to do his talking in the ring. Beterbiev isn't exactly Muhammad Ali in the speech department either.

I’d like to be watching the fight don’t get me wrong, even with all the doubts about Smith’s chances.

[margaret thatcher]

Good job Beterbiev is not some ghetto black amercian or it would be outrage. This will be forgotton.

Ah yes, the Russians are so much more popular right now than the blacks…

russian? beterbiev is canadian though

[tonyevs]

It's surprising how Beterbievs association with Putin's Chechen warlord Kadyrov has been minimised.
Karyrovs fight club which Beterbiev is a member of too has been a prominent recruiting place to send Chechens to Ukraine .. Kadyrov even gave Beterbiev one of the highest titles of Honorary Citizen of Grozny for his promotion of the fight club.

Beterbiev is a bad man inside and outside the ring.

Love to see Smith win here .. unfortunately it's looks like another KO win for Beterbiev.

[a force]

Quite clearly doping. You don’t get elevated levels of testosterone deep in a training camp at nearly 40 naturally. If anything it should be going down.

Callum’s definitely up against it.

[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.”

[MightyWarrior]

Quite clearly doping. You don’t get elevated levels of testosterone deep in a training camp at nearly 40 naturally. If anything it should be going down.

Callum’s definitely up against it.

Yeah that’s my read, the bastards doping isn’t he? Obviously nearly 40 years old, the people behind him aren’t gonna f**k around when there’s millions at stake - and if they can get a slight edge, or a big edge, and get away with it, they’re gonna do it 100%.

they probably just pushed it slightly too far this time, and that’s why it’s showing up borderline.

[omalley]

Quite clearly doping.

But VADA did not say that. VADA did not say "adverse finding". Do you think they bribed VADA?

[cormack]

Quite clearly doping. You don’t get elevated levels of testosterone deep in a training camp at nearly 40 naturally. If anything it should be going down.

Callum’s definitely up against it.

Yeah that’s my read, the bastards doping isn’t he? Obviously nearly 40 years old, the people behind him aren’t gonna f**k around when there’s millions at stake - and if they can get a slight edge, or a big edge, and get away with it, they’re gonna do it 100%.

they probably just pushed it slightly too far this time, and that’s why it’s showing up borderline.

i feel this indicates he is on the gear and perhaps gives some insight into how he has such a prolific ko record .

hope CS does knock him the F out :


some peculiar things going on in boxing now - interesting that arum was nowhere to be seen yesterday at the presser .

maybe he is also turning back the clock with some special vitamins !

[Shirow]

I was thinking all along that this should be a straight forward bludgeoning by Beterbiev because of how he reacted to some heavy handed pressure from the much smaller and weaker Canelo. But what if Smith was genuinely dead at SMW for the Canelo fight so if the plan was to surrender his title for the payday and hopefully not take too much damage maybe he is really much better than at LHW and not just flattered by his last couple of substandard opponents.

After full consideration I don't think we'll be seeing much of what Smith showed against Lenin Castillo and Bauderlique on the night. 7th round bludgeoning TKO by Zangieff.

[tigermoth87]

I expect Callum to bottle it. Time and time again, we see British fighters when fighting a level above, completyely bottle it. Just tuck into their shell and absorb the punishment, too scared to fight back lest they get caught and KO'd because they see it better to lose 120-0 on the cards than make a fight of it and KO'd in five.

Callum showed vs Canelo that he has no bottle.

[coneye]

I expect Callum to bottle it. Time and time again, we see British fighters when fighting a level above, completyely bottle it. Just tuck into their shell and absorb the punishment, too scared to fight back lest they get caught and KO'd because they see it better to lose 120-0 on the cards than make a fight of it and KO'd in five.

Callum showed vs Canelo that he has no bottle.

Don't think its bottle he's short off ,, however if you would of said confidence instead of bottle , i would be aggreeing with you

[Ruthless-RKO]

[samwbr]

I expect Callum to bottle it. Time and time again, we see British fighters when fighting a level above, completyely bottle it. Just tuck into their shell and absorb the punishment, too scared to fight back lest they get caught and KO'd because they see it better to lose 120-0 on the cards than make a fight of it and KO'd in five.

Callum showed vs Canelo that he has no bottle.

His bicep was just about hanging off for a fair few rounds, he's not short of guts.

[skanksta]

I'm quite surprised at the amount of people picking Mundo ?

This seems to be on the basis that Bert is going to Grow Old Overnight.
Yes, he's 39 next week, AND he's had some nasty sounding injuries (infected mandible anyone ?! )
But I didn't see any signs of decline last time out and 39 isn't THAT old anymore. You gotta remember Yarde is as as gifted a 'natural' as you'll ever see - and he's learnt on the job. He's a good fighter that would test anyone - certainly Mundo - and he fought really well. AND then, you have to say that for all that Yarde performed well and hurt Bert a few times - he did - Bert still won almost every round and got the stoppage in some style like he always does. I didn't really see any slippage - more just a good performance from a good challenger, that was actually swatted aside like all the rest in the end.
He might well be there for the taking, but IF he isn't...

Smith himself...
Of COURSE he's good, rangy, tall, powerful etc. and certainly good enough to be the "right man in the right place" IF Bert is seriously diminished.., But is he that good ? At their peaks vs Bert it's "levels" - an AM ATG with a perfect pro record vs a good contender who was beaten comprehensively the one time he went to elite level. AND he's fought about 4 rounds in 3 years (w/o googling).
That's more inactive than Bert.

I get Smith might be much better @ LHW - shoulda been there ages ago - but IF you're betting Smith @ around 3/1 ish you need Bert to be diminished AND Smith to show better than he ever has. Last time Bert fought a real big guy with physical advantages, but a bit stiff and hittable - JSjr - he marmalized him in 2.

A lot of judges picking Smith, but I'd need nearly double the odds myself...

[KiwiRider]

I'm quite surprised at the amount of people picking Mundo ?

Loyalty?
Beter's age?

Whatever, first big card of the year for me and I'm looking forward to it.
I thought about putting a tenner on Smith because the odds were decent before Christmas.
Couldn't do it
I'm just going to impartially watch.

[handsofstone]

Jason Moloney making the first defense of his WBO Bantamweight title on the undercard against Saul Sanchez, never heard of him, nothing on his record stands out, I've barely seen anything mentioned about this fight but I did see someone say Sanchez is a live dog

[rd350lc]

I expect Callum to bottle it. Time and time again, we see British fighters when fighting a level above, completyely bottle it. Just tuck into their shell and absorb the punishment, too scared to fight back lest they get caught and KO'd because they see it better to lose 120-0 on the cards than make a fight of it and KO'd in five.

Callum showed vs Canelo that he has no bottle.

His bicep was just about hanging off for a fair few rounds, he's not short of guts.

He took a battering from Canelo and still stuck in there , agree with this .