As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Callum Smith will challenge Artur Beterbiev for the WBO, IBF, WBC light heavyweight world titles on August 20.
Beterbiev will have home advantage, as the event takes place in Quebec City, Canada.
Earlier this year, Beterbiev retained his titles, and his 100% knockout ratio, with a stoppage win over Smith’s countryman, Anthony Yarde.
During that fight, Yarde had his moments and stunned Beterbiev in a few rounds of the fight. Yarde was leading on two of the official scorecards when the fight was stopped in the eight round.
Many observers questioned whether or not the dangerous Beterbiev, nearing 40-years-old, was finally showing his age.
Top Rank’s president Todd DuBoef, who promotes Beterviev, feels the Smith bout will answer a lot of questions about his man.
“I think it’s a little bit of the Lomachenko riddle, you’re looking at two guys into their mid-to-late 30s who had incredible amateur careers and a body of work that as a pro and an amateur was incredible,” said DuBoef to Sky Sports.
“The question is ‘is there a time when that high-powered Ferrari doesn’t run anymore?’ and it starts to run a little slower than it used to run. Is that what we see when Beterbiev showed some vulnerability against Anthony Yarde, was it that he’s not as fine-tuned as he was two years ago or that the style of Yarde gave him difficulties? It’s a real big question.”
Both Beterbiev and Smith could punch.
Beterbiev has made seven world title defenses since stopping Enrico Koelling for the vacant IBF title in November 2017.
Smith, who was a world champion at super middleweight, has been blasting out opponents since moving up to 175-pounds in 2021.
“For the UK it’s bombs away, you’re talking about Artur Beterbiev who has an incredible reputation globally but just comes off a fight here in the UK, and he knocks people out,” DuBoef said.
“Callum Smith is a great knockout puncher as well, who comes from here. That match gets right to the heart of fight fans here and general sports fans.
“Whenever you see a fight between two guys with dynamite in their hands it’s always exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat.”