In a masterful display of his boxing prowess, Artur Beterbiev solidified his undefeated status with a resounding 20th knockout victory, clinching the WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight titles in a gripping seventh-round encounter against Callum Smith. Despite approaching his 39th birthday, Beterbiev’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, delivering a hard right to Smith (29-2) followed by an unrelenting flurry that saw the English challenger hit the canvas. The bout’s intensity reached its peak as Beterbiev swiftly repeated the feat, prompting trainer Buddy McGirt to judiciously step in and stop the fight with a minute left in the round.
In the aftermath of the victory, Beterbiev humbly acknowledged Smith’s skills but exuded confidence in his own dominance, stating, “Smith is a fighter that I respect a lot, but in the third or fourth round, I knew I had him, and it was only a matter of time.”
The journey to this emphatic win faced a temporary setback, with the fight originally scheduled for August, later postponed to allow Beterbiev to recover from a jaw infection. This delay highlighted the meticulous preparation and dedication to peak performance that underscored the champion’s approach.
Having made Montreal his boxing home for over a decade, Beterbiev stands alone as the undisputed champion with a flawless knockout record, having successfully defended his title seven times at 175 pounds.
Looking ahead, the spotlight is on Beterbiev’s negotiations for a monumental bout against fellow Russian Dmitry Bivol, a match that could determine the undisputed light heavyweight champion. The stage is set for this significant clash, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the likely venue for the high-stakes showdown. Trainer Marc Ramsey acknowledged Beterbiev’s rigorous 16-week training and suggested a well-deserved rest, especially with the approaching Ramadan in March, marking a crucial juncture in the champion’s illustrious career.