BoxRec

Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith in Play, Says Michel

According to Yvon Michel, promoter for IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, the next fight for his boxer would take place on a date in December.

And the opponent is almost certain to be Joe Smith Jr.

Smith, who is best known for his career-ending knockout of Bernard Hopkins, is still being mentioned as the next opponent for WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol - but that fight has been staggering on the shelf since HBO announced their intention to walk away from boxing by the end of the year.

Beterbiev (13-0, 13 KOs) has just retained his title against the British banger Callum Johnson, on October 6th. In that contest, Beterbiev recovered from the second knockdown of his career to stop Johnson in the fourth round.

The fight with Smith (24-2, 20 KOs) would take place on December 15 or 22 at Madison Square Garden or Atlantic City.

"It is almost certain that Artur will fight against Joe Smith. What is less certain is when," said Michel to LA Presse.

"But one thing is certain, this next fight will take place in 2018."

What's interesting is Michel stating that Beterbiev vs. Bivol is a lock to be carried on DAZN - since Beterbiev is co-promoted by Eddie Hearn, who signed an exclusive eight year agreement with the streaming service.

The interesting piece of that information, is Beteriev-Smith potentially taking place on the Canelo vs. Rocky Fielding undercard on December 15 - if it takes place on that date - would mean DAZN is picking up the Canelo-Fielding event.

If DAZN fails to secure the Canelo-Fielding card, then Beterbiev-Smith would land on the date of December 22.

Smith vs. Bivol would have been interesting, but i’d rather Beterbiev be more active.

activity is good for bert, this would be short but fun

Shock em all again Smith

Just happy to see him go right back out again.
Should of been doing this for years

I would love to see Smith flatten Beterbiev, that said I pick Beterbiev for win by KO. Smith has better chance though of beating Beterbiev than he did Bivol. Bivol to fast, mobile and dynamic for Smith right now..Beating Beterbiev is attainable for Smith, I give smith 40% chance of winning, especially if his jaw healed well..

Would love to see Smith do what he did with Fonfara. But Arthur is a different animal although most of the time he's inactive due to injury.

It's actually a pretty intriguing matchup. Can turn out to be a good scrap. Smith really can end Beterbiev's sreak, as he is his toughest test and defeated tougher guys himself.

Like this a lot, has the potential to be a really good fight, wouldn't write Smith off hes a real handful.

littlepug wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 09:59 Like this a lot, has the potential to be a really good fight, wouldn't write Smith off hes a real handful.

If Smth hurts Beterbiev he won't stand off him like Johnson did.

Stuarty wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 10:15

littlepug wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 09:59 Like this a lot, has the potential to be a really good fight, wouldn't write Smith off hes a real handful.

If Smth hurts Beterbiev he won't stand off him like Johnson did.

No he wont, was screaming at the telly When Johnson let him off the hook, bet he is kicking himself now.

I want smith to get the upset I like smith , but smart money's on beterbiev ain't it

littlepug wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 10:18

Stuarty wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 10:15

littlepug wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 09:59 Like this a lot, has the potential to be a really good fight, wouldn't write Smith off hes a real handful.

If Smth hurts Beterbiev he won't stand off him like Johnson did.

No he wont, was screaming at the telly When Johnson let him off the hook, bet he is kicking himself now.

Johnson was hurt himself and so will be Smith if he trades with Beterbiev. Joe's chin is also not as good as Callum's.

Callum Johnson vs Joe Smith would probably have been better, but like others have said it is good to see Beterbiev actually getting to fight a few fights finally.

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑16 Oct 2018, 15:02 Joe's chin is also not as good as Callum's.

Based on what?

beterbiev hurt johnson with like everything he landed, johnson was 'gritty' but i wouldnt say hes really shown a better chin then smith. aside from bert hes really been hit by no other decent puncher

smith took a lot of good punches from barrera

Pretty sure Smith got his jaw broken in 2nd round against berrera and went the distance

jamamb wrote: ↑17 Oct 2018, 07:20 beterbiev hurt johnson with like everything he landed, johnson was 'gritty' but i wouldnt say hes really shown a better chin then smith. aside from bert hes really been hit by no other decent puncher

smith took a lot of good punches from barrera

I thought he was hurt by Barrera who is not a hardest puncher.

Smith going to get his jaw broken again.

Artur Beterbiev (13-0, 13 KOs) will be defending his IBF light heavyweight title in a quick turnaround against Joe Smith Jr. (24-2, 20 KOs) on December 15 on the undercard of Saul Canelo Alvarez vs. Rocky Fielding at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Beterbiev vs. Smith Jr. is arguably a good enough fight to be the main event on the Canelo-Fielding card on December 15. It’s a good thing for the boxing fans that they’re getting a sure fire excellent fight between Beterbiev and Smith. It’s just too bad this fight wasn’t given it’s own card as the headliner. However, since Canelo vs. Fielding will be streamed free by DAZN on December 15, there will likely be a massive amount of boxing fans that will get a chance to see Beterbiev and Smith Jr. on the night.

Jorge Linares (45-4, 28 KOs) is also being confirmed for the card.

Dont underestimate tough guy who can punch and who can take the punch. This should be a good fight and Beterbiev being active, finally

joe is very rangy i reckon he can spark Arthur