- Artur Beterbiev will defend his IBF, WBC, and WBO world light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith.
- This light heavyweight title showdown goes down Saturday, Jan. 13, inside the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.
- Beterbiev is the -455 betting favorite, while Smith is the betting underdog at +330.
Reigning IBF, WBC, and WBO world light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0) is set to defend all three belts against Callum Smith (29-1) this Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Centre Videotron in Quebec, Canada. It will be the second time Beterbiev will put all three world titles on the line since unifying them in June 2022.
It's fight week.
⭐ Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith ⭐ pic.twitter.com/kATTOAb9n5
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 8, 2024
Due to his immaculate record of 19-0 with a 100% finish rate, Beterbiev is the -455 heaving betting favorite in boxing odds. In contrast, Smith, who only lost one fight and has a 72% finish rate, takes the overwhelming betting underdog role of +330 in BetMGM’s online sportsbook. The winner of this bout is likely to face the reigning IBO world light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol.
Artur Beterbiev Recent Fight Results
Before fighting professionally in 2013, Beterbiev won multiple amateur boxing tournaments and participated in the 2012 London Olympic Games. He made his pro debut in June 2013 and stopped Christian Cruz. After that successful first match, he hasn’t lost a fight and collected multiple minor and major boxing championships.
A RELENTLESS force! ⚠️
Artur Beterbiev is the only world champion with a 100% KO record 🔥#BeterbievSmith | Jan 14 pic.twitter.com/v4wUkjhD8O
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 8, 2024
Beterbiev captured his first major title (IBF belt) in November 2017 after beating Enrico Koelling, then TKO’ed Oleksandr Gvozdyk in October 2019 to win the WBC championship before making quick work of Joe Smith Jr. in December 2021 to win the WBO world title. His most recent victory was an eighth-round TKO stoppage of Anthony Yarde in January 2023.
Callum Smith Recent Fight Results
Before competing in the light heavyweight division, Callum Smith was an accomplished super middleweight champion who once reigned as the WBA and WBC super middleweight world champion. He defeated George Groves to win those two belts and successfully defended them against Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam and John Ryder.
"I've got to be mentally and physically switched on at all times" 🧠
Callum Smith is well prepared for what Artur Beterbiev has to offer 💪🥊 #BeterbievSmith | Sunday, 1am 📺 pic.twitter.com/kkGDGWWAiC
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 9, 2024
In December 2020, Smith’s rule in the 167-pound division was halted by Canelo Alvarez after receiving a unanimous decision loss. After that defeat, he moved up in the 175-pound division, scoring back-to-back stoppage wins over Gilbert Castillo Rivera and Mathieu Bauderlique to earn the title shot against Beterbiev.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith: Tale of the Tape
| Artur Beterbiev | Callum Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 38 | 33 |
| Height | 6’0” | 6’3” |
| Reach | 73 inches | 78 inches |
| Record | 19-0 | 29-1 |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| TKO/KO Percentage | 100% | 72% |
Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith: Fight Analysis
The size difference between Beterbiev and Smith is apparent in their tale of the tape, as the challenger will enjoy a 3-inch height and 5-inch reach advantage against the defending champion. Additionally, Smith is five years younger than Beterbiev. However, Beterbiev has a better record and TKO/KO percentage.
Both boxers are heavy punchers, with Beterbiev known for overwhelming his opponents with multiple combinations, and Smith is more of a one-punch knockout artist. The key for the defending champion is to immediately push forward and close the distance between him and the challenger.
This way, he can not only take away the reach advantage from him but also measure the perfect distance of his attack when he decides to go all-out against Smith. Because of this immense pressure, Beterbiev forced his opponents onto the ropes, pouring them with lethal punches on the head and body.
Meanwhile, Smith possesses a power that could put anyone to sleep. Timing will be his No. 1 weapon against Beterbiev. If he can perfectly land a powerful counter when the defending champion is attacking, it will most likely be the difference-maker during the fight. After all, he has a high finishing rate of 72%.
It will be no doubt another barnburner of a world title match, but there are two other factors to take note of heading into the match: Beterbiev’s age and if it’s already caught up with him and Smith’s power and if it’s enough to put a halt on Beterbiev’s the dominant run in the light heavyweight division.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith: Date and Start Time
Jan. 13, 2024, 7 p.m. PT
Jan. 13, 2024, 9 p.m. CT
Jan. 13, 2024, 10 p.m. ET
Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith: Fight Prediction
Official Prediction: TKO/KO victory for Artur Beterbiev.
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