Artur Beterbiev, the IBF/WBC/WBO light heavyweight champion, and Callum Smith, his WBC mandatory, are gearing up for their highly anticipated bout at the Center Videotron in Quebec City, Canada, on Saturday, January 13, 2024. They held their final press conference on ESPN prior to the game tonight.
During the press conference, Callum (29-1, 21 KOs) expressed confidence, stating, “I think it’s going to be exciting. He’s a champion, he’s a champion with three belts, so I think his accomplishments speak for themselves. I don’t think the best version of myself is anyone in the world. I believe that we are better than that and I stand by that.”
He also mentioned, “In this day and age, I’m ready to be a two-division champion and I’ve been given that opportunity this weekend and I’m going to take it.”
Buddy McGirt, Smith’s trainer, praised him, saying, “I think he’s very underrated. I think a lot of people underestimate him. [Callum Smith], and he plans to show off what he can do Saturday night.”
When asked about his preparation, Beterbiev mentioned, “No, I’m focused on the fight. I’m glad they came to watch us. Being a sportsman already changes your life. It’s my job. I’m happy to be a boxer.”
Smith also shared his experience training with McGirt, stating, “At first I moved to train with Buddy. I feel like every day is a school day. I improved, learned in the gym, and that made me a better fighter overall.”
Reflecting on the loss to Canelo, Smith mentioned, “I need to get better and I need to make changes after that. I changed trainers, and I also changed my weight class. My outlook on the sport changed and I set new goals.”
As the showdown approaches, both fighters seem to be ready and determined to give it their best in the ring.
