Two of the light heavyweight division’s fiercest punchers will put three world title belts at stake in one of the year’s most anticipated showdowns. WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) — boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio — will take on Long Island’s WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.
Artur Beterbiev: “This is a very important fight for me. With regard to the place, it’s not different for me. I’m more focused on the fight. I’m more focused on my opponent, not on the place. I always ask my boxing coach and my conditioning coach about how I’m doing. I ask them if it’s less than I was doing two years ago. They tell me that I’m doing better than two years ago.”
Joe Smith Jr: “This is a huge opportunity. Beterbiev is a huge name in boxing. Everyone knows who he is at this point. He has two world titles, and I want those belts. I believe this fight is going to be great. You’ve got two big punchers, and I’m just excited to be in there with him. He’s a great name.”
Beterbiev by KO!
Two humble warriors, throwback fighters. It was a breath of fresh air watching blood, sweat, and tears with these guys. Hopefully boxing can get back to the days when fighters did their talking in the ring. Both guys have a lot of heart, throw big punches, and have pressing styles. Makes for an exciting fight as long as it lasts. Hope they both stay healthy and make a lot of money. They deserve it.
This says mix match all day.
I agree with WillisLV. To many times we get fighters talking smack and it’s us fans that get smacked…..,With a shitty fight. Two big punchers that are proven against good opposition. Can’t wait, all.
Beterviev destroys Smith in less than 6.
A prime Roy Jones would have washed both of these guys. Smith has made the most of his opportunities and was gifted an easy vacant world title shot against an ordinary Vlasov that could have went the other way, and an easy first defense against undeserving and even more ordinary Steve Geffrad. He does have a couple of decent wins against Jesse Hart and Eledier Alvarez, but was outclassed against Bivol. I expect Beterbiev to outclass him as well. Beterbiev and Bivol is the best fight to make at Light heavyweight.
Smith does have heavy hands, but most of his punches are straight, which is easier for Beterbiev to defend and block. Beterbiev is wide open for uppercuts as he refuses to move his head and often squares up when letting his combos go. Although stiff and primitive at times, he throws a variety of short punches and knows how to change the speeds on his shots, while also possessing heavy hands,. Beterbiev by TKO late, but may taste the canvas in the process.
Is that the same Roy Jones that was destroyed by Tarver and Johnson?? It was GREAT watching Lebedev nearly knock his head clear off also. Nothing better than watching an arrogant POS who fights animals to the death get his head caved in. Beterbiev would have broke him.
– Prior to, and including beating John Ruiz for the WBA Heavyweight Belt, Roy Jones never lost a round.
– You may not like him as a person, but RJJ is one of the best to ever lace ’em up.
Problem Roy Jones had was that once his chin was exposed, everyone knew they could knock him out. The speed faded, so he wasn’t as elusive. Roy would’ve always had problems with guys like Calzaghe who could match his speed, but I don’t think Glen Johnson would’ve beaten a prime Roy Jones.
Wouldn’t bother watching,Betterbiev in in 2. He simply will destroy his opponent.
Didn’t I say Betterbiev in 2?
Soany “experts” who know nothing about boxing.
Looking forward to a good fight here…..
Beterbaev inside 8. That’s conservative because Smith has heart and a punch to think about. In the end it won’t be enough to keep the inevitable at bay.
beterbiev goes for the ko if smith wins it will be an upset good luck to both fighters
I have to say something else. Though I think Beterbiev will win; I would LOVE to see an upset by Joe Smith! He seems to be a good guy with tons of heart and he’s humble. And I love upsets! Just hope it’s a great fight and both fighters leave the ring with their health.