Top Rank wins bid for Beterbiev-Smith fight

Promotional organization Top Rank has won a tender to organize a fight for the WBC light heavyweight title between Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) and Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs). The winning bid was $2.115 million.

The Briton, who will earn $571,000 for the fight, is the official contender for the World Boxing Council belt. Beterbiev, whose fee will be $1.33 million, in addition to the WBC belt, also holds the IBF and WBO titles. 10% of the stake ($211,000) was reserved by the WBC as a bonus for the winner.

The fight is scheduled for August in the USA or Canada. Promotional organization Matchroom Boxing was also bidding for $2.1 million. The difference between the two highest bids was only $15,000.