Artur Beterbiev Gives Harsh Verdict on His Performance Against Callum Smith, Reveals What Could Have Been Better

A fighter that introspects? Well, that’s Artur Beterbiev. The Russo-Canadian fighter marked the biggest victory of his career a few weeks ago. However, he’s now doubled down on what he could have done better in making that victory impeccable.

In the Quebec City fight, Beterbiev defeated Callum Smith via a 7th-round knockout. The 20th knockout victory in his 20-fight-long career jotted him down as one of the best fighters of the current era. However, a social media communication that he relayed a few hours ago furthered his name, not just as an abled fighter, but a fighter striving to do better with each fight undertaken.

A critically conscious Artur Beterbiev thanks Callum Smith

On his Instagram, he posted a still from his fight against ‘Mundo.’ In the image, Beterbiev can be seen taking a punch from Mundo while his guard is still up. Counting those times when the fight could have gone south for him, Beterbiev explained his analytical takeaways.

He noted, “Always after the fight, my team and I analyze our work. We watched the fight several times and now it seems to us that a lot of things in the ring could have been done better – in some cases not to miss, in others to catch a blow.”

Not just that. He also acknowledged the quality fight his opponent gave him. He added, “Thanks to Smith and his team for putting up a good fight. Overall, everything went well.” Everything did go well. Beterbiev still continues to reign undefeated and holds the titles he entered the ring with.

His victory comes at a crucial hour when most assumed the significant age difference between him and Smith would not pan out in his favor. However, he overturned such expectations and now hopes to rule his weight division. His next sight? The undisputed status.

A fight for the fourth title

Not just aware of his shortcomings, Beterbiev is also in touch with his aspirations. Right now, he rules the light-heavy division with IBF, WBC, and WBO belts. However, with another belt in his kitty, he’d emerge undisputed. For that to come true, he sets his vision on the WBA champion, Dmitry Bivol.

Right after his victory over Smith, he informed SkySports of his yearning. “Yes, Yes. I want this fight. I want this fight a couple of years, since a couple of years, you know?” Does the undefeated Bivol also chase this fight? Beterbiev responds, “But he says always, last four years. He always says, next fight he will with me. But never do.”

Also Read: “He Is Physically Stronger Than Canelo Alvarez”: Dmitry Bivol Remains Brutally Honest About His “Hardest Test” in Artur Beterbiev

In sync with his goals, promoter Bob Arum told DAZN, “It’s not done yet,” he said in the ring after the fight. “But absolutely we want to do it. I’ll be talking to my friend His Excellency [Saudi Advisor] Turki Alalshikh. I know he wants to do it, but Ramadan is coming. So, about three months after the end of Ramadan, we’ll be ready to fight Dmitry Bivol, probably in Riyadh.”

While it seems like Beterbiev wants to face off against Bivol, he has not done his part in getting the clash rolling. As per another source, Bivol has done his part by signing the fight deal, while Beterbiev needs to do his part.

If done, who do you think will win? Him or Dmitry Bivol? Let us know in the comments section below.

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