Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), the IBF, WBC and WBO champion, will be facing Callum Smith, a powerful opponent with a record of 29 wins, 1 loss, and 21 KOs, this Saturday night. Beterbiev is expected to defend his title at the Center Videotron in Quebec City, in what is seen as a crucial fight for both boxers.
Some observers believe that Smith is confronting the 38-year-old Beterbiev at an opportune moment. Beterbiev, after a one-year hiatus since his bout with Anthony Yarde in January 2023, is perceived to be older and slower.
However, despite Beterbiev’s age, Smith has faced mental challenges against formidable opponents such as Canelo Alvarez and John Ryder, indicating uncertainty about his ability to perform under pressure.
Smith’s past victories have led some to overrate his capabilities, but his true potential remains untested against top-tier opponents who can provide a genuine measure of his fighting abilities.
After beating George Groves in 2018, some fans regarded Smith as the best fighter in the 168-pound division, but the consensus among experts is that David Benavidez was a superior fighter even at that time.
Did Smith catch Beterbiev at the right time?
Boxing analysts and experts are divided in their opinions about the upcoming fight between Beterbiev and Smith. While some believe that Smith’s physical advantages, such as size, reach, and height, give him an edge, others emphasize Beterbiev’s formidable punching power and anticipate a challenging match.
Beterbiev’s strategy is likely to revolve around getting into close range to exploit Smith’s weaknesses, as demonstrated in Smith’s previous bouts against Canelo Alvarez and Ryder. These fights saw Smith struggle under pressure and adopt a defensive posture early on, ultimately leading to losses, albeit with controversial scoring decisions in one instance.
Some experts favor the disciplined style of WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and see him as a formidable contender in the division, irrespective of the outcome of the Beterbiev-Smith fight.
On the other hand, some analysts believe that Smith’s timing is ideal to defeat Beterbiev, citing Beterbiev’s age and physical toll from years of intense fighting as potential factors working in Smith’s favor.
However, concerns exist regarding Smith’s performance against Canelo Alvarez, with doubts raised about his ability to withstand a heavy hitter like Beterbiev.
Kalam needs to take away Beterbiev’s power.
It is suggested that for Smith to secure a victory, he must neutralize Beterbiev’s power and be prepared to engage in close combat despite the inherent risks. Smith’s task is perceived as challenging, requiring careful calculation and the ability to withstand fierce blows from Beterbiev.
