In the world of light heavyweight boxing, fans have been eagerly awaiting a potential matchup between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed championship. While that showdown may be on the horizon, Beterbiev must first overcome a formidable challenge in the form of Callum Smith. This Saturday, Beterbiev and Smith will step into the ring to test their skills and determine who will emerge victorious. Let's take a closer look at this highly anticipated bout, including the odds, their records, and a prediction on the outcome.
It has been nearly a year since Beterbiev last fought, having demolished Joe Smith Jr. in just two rounds. This lack of activity raises questions about whether the aging fighter will face any issues due to his extended hiatus. However, Beterbiev's trainer, Marc Ramsey, assures fans that his fighter remains as involved and technically sharp as ever. While age may bring about some changes, Beterbiev's balance and power boxing capabilities are still top-notch. Ramsey credits his fighter's dedication in the gym, as Beterbiev continues to strive for improvement every day.
On the other side of the ring, Callum Smith, a former super middleweight champion, poses a significant challenge for Beterbiev. Smith, five years younger than his opponent, has also faced his fair share of adversity, having lost to Canelo Alvarez in a unified super middleweight title fight. Since then, Smith's activity has been limited, with only two fights against opponents who do not possess championship-level skills. While Smith acknowledges Beterbiev's impressive resume, he remains confident in his ability to emerge victorious. Smith believes he can hurt Beterbiev and even predicts that he can finish him off with a knockout.
Originally scheduled for August 2021, this matchup was postponed due to a bone infection in Beterbiev's jaw, which stemmed from an old injury. With the fight now back on, it will be interesting to see how well Beterbiev has recovered from the surgery. Regardless, Smith maintains his faith in his abilities, emphasizing that he will be fully switched on and ready to face the power-punching Beterbiev.
While both fighters have their strengths and aspirations for the future, Bivol, another light heavyweight contender, offers his perspective on the matchup. In his view, Beterbiev is the favorite due to his experience and strength. Bivol believes that Smith, despite his height advantage, fails to utilize it effectively and tends to focus on getting inside his opponents. If the fight becomes a close affair, Bivol believes Beterbiev's skills at close range will give him the edge.
When it comes to the betting odds, Beterbiev enters the contest as the solid favorite. However, the money line has fluctuated throughout the lead-up to the fight. Initially, Beterbiev was listed as a -360 favorite, but that line shifted to -500 before tightening once again. As of now, Beterbiev sits at -400, while Smith stands as the +300 underdog. Beterbiev's knockout power results in less favorable odds for a stoppage victory (-200), while a wager on Smith winning by decision offers a more enticing return at +1000.
For those seeking a bit of excitement, a potential boxing parlay could involve a Beterbiev stoppage win (-200) and Jason Moloney defeating Saul Sanchez by decision (-120). If both legs of this parlay hit, a $100 wager would yield a $175 return—a fun option for those looking to add some extra thrill to their viewing experience.
Beterbiev boasts an incredible record of 19 wins with 19 knockouts, making him a rarity in the sport. Smith, with only one loss to Canelo Alvarez, has notable victories against John Ryder, George Groves, and Hassan N'Dam. However, defeating Beterbiev would undoubtedly be the pinnacle of Smith's career. While Beterbiev possesses a higher level of talent, his relative inactivity raises concerns about his performance at the elite level. Nonetheless, Beterbiev's past performances demonstrate that he is still one of the top light heavyweights in the world.
While Smith may keep the fight competitive in its early stages, Beterbiev's power and skill will eventually take control. In the eighth round, Beterbiev will extend his perfect knockout streak, stopping Smith and solidifying his position as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division.
Be sure to tune in to the ESPN and ESPN+ broadcast of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith fight on Saturday, where these two formidable athletes will leave it all in the ring.
