WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev’s title defense against former super middleweight world champion Callum Smith—originally scheduled for Saturday, August 19, at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada—has been postponed due to a bone infection to Beterbiev’s jaw. He underwent surgery earlier today in Montreal, Canada.
Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, information regarding a rescheduled date will be announced in due course.
Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), who resides in Montreal, is boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio. Smith (29-1, 21 KOs), the WBC’s mandatory challenger, has won two bouts by stoppage since dropping a decision in a 2020 title unification fight against Canelo Alvarez.
Jeez, I just went thru something similar. Jaw infections are BAD. I’m hoping he won’t need a graft. The good news is it’s very rare.
That’s too bad. Beterbiev is 38 years old, he’ll be 39 in January. Hate to see him spending so much time like this. The Yarde fight had to be delayed due to an injury to Artur as well, if I recall correctly.
Beterbiev also had a bout against Adam Deines cancelled because of Covid near the end of 2020.
He didn’t fight at all in 2020, had one fight last year and may only end up having one fight this year. I honestly don’t think Beterbiev – Bivol ever happens.
Sorry Beterbiev is sick, but the fight is a mismatch I do not care about. Give us Beterbiev vs Bivol and stop the BS!!!
Beterbiev should destroy Smith anyways.
Damn Beter. How does one get an infected jaw?
Anyway, Artur will recoup and likely defend his titles. The undisputed fight between him and Bivol likely won’t ever happen anyway because PC drug lord Suliaman won’t let Russian citizens fight for his We Be Collecting trinket anyway. F*ck the sport killing NABE.