Artur Beterbiev retained the unified light-heavyweight titles with a brutal finish of Callum Smith on Saturday night, setting up a tantalising clash with Dmity Bivol.
Smith had his moments and absorbed his corner’s advice to target the body of Beterbiev, but the champion built momentum across six rounds before turning up the pressure in round seven.
In that frame, the Russian overwhelmed Smith against the ropes, producing an onslaught that saw him hurt the Briton with numerous right hands. Eventually Smith lolloped to the canvas after a left, and though he was able to beat the referee’s count, he was soon put down again as Beterbiev maintained his barrage.
Once more, Smith rose to his feet, but the Liverpudlian’s trainer Buddy McGirt entered the ring to call an end to the contest, sparing his fighter further punishment. Beterbiev, 38, sunk to his knees in emotion, as he celebrated retaining the WBC, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles. The result also improved the veteran’s record to 20-0 with 20 knockouts, and it sets up an intriguing bout with WBA champion Bivol.
Re-live updates from Beterbiev vs Smith and the undercard fights, below.
