CALLUM SMITH faces one of the most difficult challenges in all of boxing when he steps between the ropes this Saturday night (January 13).
In what will be his seventh fight overseas the Liverpudlian will attempt to topple light-heavyweight kingpin Artur Beterbiev, something the Russian’s 19 previous opponents all failed to do.
Of those 19, none hard the final bell, with only Enrico Koelling reaching the last round against Beterbiev in 2017 (but he was still knocked out before he hearing the judges’ scorecards).
Smith, a former super-middleweight belt holder, looks to be in better physical condition and is punching harder since his move to 175lbs. However, his two opponents in that time have been modest to say the least. Beterbiev, meanwhile, has brutally beaten Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Marcus Browne, Joe Smith Jr and Anthony Yarde.
At 38, Beterbiev may be beginning to slow down. Smith is younger, fresher and carries a height and reach advantage, as well as the power to trouble the champion. But can he survive the violence Beterbiev brings round after round? The first big fight of 2024 promises to be an intriguing watch.
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?
Beterbiev vs. Smith takes place this Saturday night at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.
WHERE CAN I WATCH BETERBIEV VS. SMITH?
UK viewers can watch the action on Sky Sports Main Event from 1.15am (Sunday, January 14). Coverage in America will be shown on ESPN.
WHAT TIME WILL THE MAIN EVENT START?
No official time has been announced but UK fans shouldn’t expect the main event to begin any earlier than 4am.
WHO IS ON THE UNDERCARD?
Eight bouts are scheduled for the undercard subject to change.
Jason Moloney vs. Saul Sanchez (Bantamweight)
Christian Mbilli vs. Rohan Murdock (Super-middleweight)
Imam Khataev vs. Rodolfo Gomez Jr (Light-heavyweight)
Christopher Guerrero vs. Sergio Garcia Herrera (Welterweight)
Mehmet Unal vs. Dragan Lepei (Light-heavyweight)
Leila Beaudoin vs. Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza (F Super-featherweight)
Moreno Fendoro vs. Victor Hugo Flores (Super-middleweight)
Wilkens Mathieu vs. TBA (Super-middleweight)
WHAT ARE THE BETTING ODDS?
Artur Beterbiev 2/9 Otto Wallin 3/1 (Odds courtesy of Bet365)
WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?
To hear opinions from the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Richie Woodhall, Virgil Hunter, John Ryder and more click the video below.
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Episode 39 of The Boxing Show with Rob Tebbutt, Barry Jones and Andy Clarke as the esteemed trio look ahead to Beterbiev v Smith and review last month’s action.
