Photos: Sumio Yamada
WBC/IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs), boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, has never heard the judges’ scores read in his pro career. And win or lose, it’s highly unlikely judges will be rendering a verdict tonight when Beterbiev faces fellow power-puncher WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) on ESPN from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
However, just in case, judges Frank Lombardi, Joseph Pasquale and Steve Weisfeld will be at ringside scoring the bout.
The third man in the ring will be Harvey Dock.
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Would like to see Smith prevail but he gets stopped within 9 rounds.
Can’t wait to watch this
Excellent fight !!!
These guys are gonna bring the pain!
Smith will arrive at the fight in a lifted truck with trump flags, then try to beat the hell out of Artur.
Interesting match to be sure. Even could be fight of the year. Sith is strong, but the problem is the man in front of him tonight is perhaps more. If Smith can do what Browne did, cut Berbetev early, maybe. But I just don’t see Smith having the boxing talent to do anything. Smith has to live with the credo, what is is, live by the sword or die by the sword? This match if he follows that credo, might last about 5 rounds.
Weisfeld should not be a judge. He is too corupt.
I’m really excited for this fight, I’m taking Beterbiev, but I think it will be competitive for as long as it lasts. Beterbiev hasn’t looked great in his last couple of fights imo and Smith has been in with some tough fighters as well. Has some great experience. I got Beterbiev like I said, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Smith sprang the upset.
What time is the fight?
Lots of undercards.. look for after 9 eastern
The main card is on ESPN, it doesn’t even start until 10pm eastern. They have a 10 round co-main event and they’re going to do a ton of talking, the actual main event will probably start after 11pm eastern.
Officials you’re not gonna need hehehe
I have followed Smith for years when he was fighting in Long Island and would love to see him win. The same for Beterbiev, following him since the amateurs and was waiting for him to turn pro for a Kovalev fight at the pro level.
This is a bittersweet fight. I think the difference will be in speed. Beterbiev’s speed and accuracy might be too much for Smith. However, if Smith cannot be hurt, it’s going to be a long brutal fight.
When 2 heavy hitters are in the ring. It comes down to who has the better fundamentals.
My heart would like to see Smith triumph, but logic says Beterbiev, TKO, cuts, between 7th and 8th round, doctor stoppage.
Surprise ko