WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and challenger Callum Smith faced off at the final press conference for their world title clash on ESPN Saturday night at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Artur Beterbiev: “I’m excited, just like I am for every fight. For this fight, we prepared like we usually do, which is at 100 percent…I’m focused on this fight. I’m happy that my supporters are coming to watch us. But I have things to do.”
Callum Smith: “This will be exciting. He’s a very good fighter. He’s a three-belt champion, so his achievements speak for themselves. But, I believe in myself. I always have. I believe that the best version of me can beat anyone in the world. I fully stand by that.”
The proceedings were all business with no handshake after the face-off. Beterbiev reportedly is upset at Smith for allegedly misrepresenting an “atypical” VADA test he (Beterbiev) had in December. Beterbiev was cleared after follow-up testing proved negative. An “atypical” result is different than an “adverse finding” and doesn’t necessarily represent use of a banned substance.
Beterbiev’s mounting pressure and power will give Smith issues. Smith will be fighting backing up once he feels Beterbiev’s power. Beterbiev TKO.
Damn. It does not look like I will see this fight live.
beterbiev within 8-stoppage or cold KO
In watching some tape of Artur, I’ve concluded that Beterbiev seems to sometimes hit fighters behind the head which makes it easier to cause disorientation. Smith is 6’3, so if this tactic, whether real or perceived, is done against Smith, then we know for certain that Beterbiev is a dirty fighter.
If he is hitting behind the head and that’s a big maybe, it’s only because his opponents are dipping down as he is throwing to avoid his power. Beterbiev has numerous punches in his arsenal a right and left hook plus a strong jab that goes nicely with his right hand. Betterbiev TKO/KO in 6. Old school mentality and I don’t think he fights dirty.
Shouldn’t you be criticizing the referees – isn’t it their job to clamp down on dirty tactics?
Smith has to fight to survive like he did against Canelo. Maybe Betterbiev tires and Smith closes the fight strong. The only advantage for Smith is age
Smith fought like a b&@$ against canelo.
If he was worried about canelo’s power then beterbiev is going to ragdoll him.
KO in 6 for Artur.
Exactly my thoughts. Beterbiev hits a ton… maybe the biggest bomber in the sport. He breaks bodies down. I don’t see Smith seeing the final bell. As per usual, Beterbiev will probably start slow and wear him down and end it somewhere in the middle rounds.
Smith had once said in an interview that Canelo was hard to hit and more skilled than people think he is. Between Canelo’s power, head movement and in ring IQ and skill it was too much for him to overcome. Canelo was only 5’8 with a 72 in reach, the smallest Super Middleweight out there. Callum Smith who looked like a Giant next to Canelo couldn’t put anything together against him. That’s not taking anything away from Smith as he tried to put up a fight. At least he fought back. Charlo ran like a b@tch straight to the bank.
Smith should have been first to punch every time with that reach.
Instead he did nothing to put up a fight. He just wilted and walked backwards as canelo applied constant pressure.
Beterbiev is far stronger and hits way harder than canelo.
Smith has no heart.
It’s ragdoll time!!
I will be shocked if smith lasts past the 6th round.
Betterbiev ko 7
I think Smith has got a chance in this one, but like Mike Tyson said, everyone’s got a plan until they get punched. We’ll see if Smith can hold up. Either way this is an exciting fight. I’m looking forward to it. The most important thing, though, is that we get unification next.
Smith in an exciting fight? Not going to happen. He has no tools to keep Beterbiev off of him. Tune in for an awesome beatdown.
This could be closer than many people think for several rounds and I wouldn’t be suprised if Smith knocks him down. But if Beterbiev gets up… or we see Smith moving backwards, then it’s just a matter of time. I’m not sure Smith has the heart to last. Canelo took the fight out of him. Hurting Beterbiev isn’t enough; he’s gonna keep coming.
I don’t see a close fight
Try to survive and don’t get ko it’s not guarantee of have a close or competitive fight
Smith will be running around the ring til Betterbiev get his air out with the first punch
Then smith will get tired of bring scared to be connected by the Russian
I’m gonna go with the upset. Smith by ko 6th rd.
Hopefully not backing that with real money.
Many of Beterbiev’s fights in the opening rounds, even first half of the fight against tough opponents, looks like he is actually having a difficult fight. Then being a pressure fighter the fight changes and he starts breaking down his opponent and then finishes him off. My prediction – Beterbiev does the same, but does not stop Smith. Beterbiev by points win.
I looked at Callum Smith’s fight with Canelo last
night. I was so surprise how easy Canelo dominated Callum. A 5 foot 9 inch Canelo out
jabbed the 6 foot 3 inch Smith. I think Smith will be
stopped in the middle rounds. I don’t buy none of
what Eddie Hearns is selling.
I don’t think Smith makes it to the 5th round,
that said he has some good tools.
He will have the height & reach advantage, and he can crack with a good, quick right hand from distance.
Even if Beterbiev shows sign of age, I still expect to see him roll over Smith though.