Callum Smith, a former super middleweight world champion, has confidently voiced his belief in defeating current light heavyweight kingpin Artur Beterbiev. With a professional record of 29-1, including 21 KOs, the 33-year-old fighter asserts, "He's not invincible, he can be hit and he can be hurt... I believe I can finish Artur Beterbiev." Smith aims for a knockout victory rather than merely surviving the bout.
Artur Beterbiev remains a fearsome force in boxing with a flawless record of 19-0, each win by knockout—even at 39 years of age. His recent victories include outstanding performances against contenders such as Joe Smith Jr. and Anthony Yarde. Despite approaching his forties, Beterbiev demonstrates no signs of slowing down.
Smith does not shy away from challenging the dominance of Beterbiev. His impeccable career at super middleweight and move to light heavyweight exhibits both aspiration and determination. Having bounced back with two consecutive stoppage victories after falling to Canelo Alvarez in December 2020, Smith trusts in his potential to cause an upset against Beterbiev.
Adopting a fearless strategy involves significant risks—Smith acknowledges that errors in the ring against a puncher like Beterbiev carry heavy consequences. Notwithstanding these concerns, he maintains sharper focus during training due to the peril posed by such an imposing opponent.
Although forced into postponing their initial August fight because of an infection requiring surgery on Beterbiev's jawbone, the Russian has remained commendable in performance. Notable triumphs over Joe Smith Jr. and Anthony Yarde highlight his persistent fighting finesse.
Sustained out of the ring for 16 months by fight night might concern some, but not Smith. Formerly overcoming Gilbert Rivera in August 2022 and Mathieu Bauderlique before that bolsters confidence in his ring presence remaining unhindered. His preparation has been bifurcated between Liverpool's Rotunda Gym and Buddy McGirt’s establishment in California.
Smith’s environment at both gyms breeds excellence; sparring with top-tier talent such as Dillian Whyte, Josh Taylor, Liam Smith keeps him in league with other accomplished fighters—the suitable scaffolding for ambitious aspirations.
The echo from his sole career defeat to Canelo has been introspective; A rekindled vehemence guides him forward. Responding to adversity through enhancements to his training regime manifests an invigorated drive toward improvement.
A triumph over Artur Beterbiev carries implications far beyond mere statistics; it secures a sterner landmark than any previous accolade in Smith's storied career—amassing titles across two weight divisions embodies extraordinary pugilistic prowess.
The bout between these two combatants is scheduled for Saturday on ESPN/ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET, at Centre Videotron's marquee spotlight in Quebec City, Canada—a chance for Smith to claim acclaim within yet another division within boxing’s landscape.
