It’s all on the line as Artur Beterbiev is set to defend his light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith in Quebec. Beterbiev is famously known for winning all of his professional fights by knockouts. In his last fight, the Russian defeated Anthony Yarde scoring an 8th round knockout. The match saw bloody cuts, swollen faces, and brutality all over the place. However, Beterbiev ended up retaining his WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles with astonishing force.
On the other hand, Smith has been the WBA super middleweight champion in the past. He lost his title to Canelo Álvarez, which proved to be his only career defeat. He has more experience than Beterbiev and will look to score new titles in this bout. ‘Mundo’ has nothing to lose so he can go all out against Beterbiev. Bob Arum, for his part as the promoter, said something else that may rub a few people the wrong way.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum gives out the fight date
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While the fight was initially supposed to happen on August 9, it has now been rescheduled to January 13 due to a jaw infection suffered by Beterbiev. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum took to social media platform X to announce the new date. Arum also praised Beterbiev, saying, “ Artur is the best 175-pound fighter in the world.” This is bound to infuriate Dmitry Bivol, the WBA champion who is in talks to face the winner of Beterbiev and Smith. Bivol is also promoted by Eddie Hearn, a well-known competitor of Arum.
January 13 in Quebec City and live on ESPN, light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev defends his titles against a very skilled former champion in Callum Smith. Artur is the best 175-pound fighter in the world, and I can’t wait to see him extend his incredible KO streak.
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) December 29, 2023
In the tweet, he then proceeds to say. “I can’t wait to see him extend his incredible KO streak.” This shows the sheer confidence Arum has in his fighter, already predicting a knockout win for Beterbiev. Fans, however, flocked in to share their unbiased opinions over the upcoming fight.
Fans add their two cents
The post received widespread comments, most seemed to agree that Artur Beterbiev has got it in the bag. “This should be an easy fight for Artur Beterbiev, however, you have to respect Callum Smith for stepping up to face one of boxings best light heavy weight champions of all times,” said one fan being sure that Beterbiev will score the win.
This should be an easy fight for Artur Beterbiev, however, you have to respect Callum Smith for stepping up to face one of boxings best light heavy weight champions of all times.
— Kenneth Jefferson (@jeffken001) December 29, 2023
Another questioned Arum’s prediction, saying, “So the outcome of the fight is already determined???”
So the outcome of the fight is already determined???
— FanScorecard (@fanscorecard) December 29, 2023
Someone also called Beterbiev out and said, “When is he going to stop fighting bums?”
When is he going to stop fighting bums?
— IAMTHEAMERICANDREAM (@IAMLIFEPOLYMATH) December 29, 2023
One user showed their enthusiasm for the fight and wrote, “This should be a good one. Since Callum changed weight classes he’s been a live dog. Artur has been otherworldly though.” The fan complimented the performances of both the fighters.
This should be a good one. Since Callum changed weight classes he's been a live dog.
Artur has been otherworldly though.
— TheRealBamarep (@TheRealBamarep) December 29, 2023
Someone spoke as the voice of the people and said, “Everyone wants to beterbiev vs bivol for undisputed light heavyweight, come on now smh.”
Everyone wants to beterbiev vs bivol for undisputed light heavyweight, come on now smh 🤦🏻♂️
— 𝕷𝖔𝖘 ☼ ☽ 🇵🇦 🇨🇺 (@SOULJALOS) December 29, 2023
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Some fans are looking forward to the upcoming match while some are disappointed in the choice of opponent Beterbiev made.
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Who do you think is going to come out as the victor between the two? Let us know in the comments below.
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