“It’s the Top”: Following Callum Smith Knockout, Artur Beterbiev Confirms Dmitry Bivol Fight Next

Artur Beterbiev has fulfilled his side of the bargain. After knocking out Callum Smith in the 7th round, he has confirmed that Dmitry Bivol is next. The technical knockout had Beterbiev protect all his belt. The former super middleweight champion from England had issued a challenge to the Canadian-Russian reigning champion, who holds the unified belts in the light-heavyweight division. The champion was strongly favored to win the upcoming bout in Quebec City, Canada as he did.

Bivol has eagerly awaited this highly anticipated showdown, expressing his longstanding desire for the undisputed title ever since he defeated Canelo Alvarez last year. Now Beterbiev looks towards his next milestone.

Artur Beterbiev aiming for his fourth belt

Bivol successfully defended his title against Lydon Arthur in Riyadh just last month as part of the ‘Anthony Joshua–Otto Wallin: Day of Reckoning’ main card event. In contrast, Artur Beterbiev made a comeback after a year-long hiatus. Securing his seventh defense in the 175-pound weight category, Beterbiev maintains a unique standing in boxing as the sole champion with a flawless 100% knockout ratio.

“Yes of course, I need the fourth belt. It would mean in this category, I have done it. It means a lot for me. It’s the top.” said Beterbiev after his predicted win as was reported by Michael Benson. The winner of this high-stakes bout is to become the undisputed champion in the 175-pound weight class. Though nothing has been confirmed as of yet, it is likely to happen in March or April in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the new boxing destination. Along with all the belts he flaunts, Beterbiev is ready to add another to the list.

Beterbiev vs Smith: A round-by-round synopsis

Beterbiev dominated Smith, a resilient and skilled opponent, in a relentless manner, particularly notable in the confined space of the Videotron Centre during the ESPN-televised main event. In the first round’s waning moments, Beterbiev penetrated Smith’s guard with a well-placed right hand, while the second round saw a swift right over Smith’s jab within the first 35 seconds. Griffin issued a warning for a low blow in the third round, as Beterbiev continued his assault with a powerful jab and a series of well-executed punches.

Read More: Bob Arum Blasts Eddie Hearn for Making Artur Beterbiev’s ‘Atypical’ Finding an Issue Ahead of Callum Smith Fight

Smith, visibly affected, experienced a nosebleed after the fifth round. Despite Smith’s occasional successful strikes, including a hard left to Beterbiev’s body in the sixth round, Beterbiev’s dominance persisted. The seventh round marked a turning point, with a barrage of punishing punches from Beterbiev causing Smith to hit the canvas for the first time in his career, just over the 1:50 timestamp into the round.

With Beterbiev having done his job to step up the Bivol next, fans eagerly wait for the two to meet inside the ring now. Which of the fighters do you think will be able to walk away with all the belts in his name?

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