As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Callum Smith will face Artur Beterbiev on August 20 for the WBO, IBF and WBC light heavyweight titles.
Beterbiev will have an advantage at home as the event takes place in Quebec City, Canada.
Earlier this year, Beterbiev retained his titles and 100% knockout ratio by defeating Smith’s compatriot Anthony Yarde.
During this fight, Yarde had his moments and stunned Beterbiev in several rounds of the fight. Yarde was leading on two official scorecards when the fight was stopped in the eighth round.
Many observers wondered if the dangerous, approaching 40-year-old Beterbiev had finally shown his age.
Top Rank CEO Todd DuBoef, who promotes Beterviev, believes Smith’s fight will answer many questions about his man.
“I think it’s a bit of a Lomachenko conundrum, you’re looking at two guys in their mid-to-late 30s who have had amazing amateur careers and a body of work that as a professional and as an amateur has been incredible,” DuBoef told Sky Sports.
“The question is, is there a time when this high-powered Ferrari doesn’t drive anymore?” and it starts running a little slower than before. Is this what we see when Beterbiev showed some vulnerability against Anthony Yarde, is he not as well tuned as he was two years ago, or did Yarde’s style give him a hard time? That’s a really big question.”
Both Beterbiev and Smith could hit.
Beterbiev has defended seven world titles since stopping Enrico Koelling for the vacant IBF title in November 2017.
Smith, who was the super middleweight world champion, has been knocking opponents down since moving to 175 pounds in 2021.
“For the UK it’s the bombs from here, you’re talking about Artur Beterbiev who has an amazing reputation around the world but he just came out of a fight here in the UK and he’s going to knock people out,” DuBoef said.
“Callum Smith is also a great knockout puncher that comes from here. This match goes straight to the hearts of fighting fans here and sports fans.
“Every time you see a fight between two guys with dynamite in their hands, it’s always exciting and keeps you in suspense.”
