Anthony Yarde (Light-heavyweight contender)
I think Beterbiev’s eventually going to figure Smith out and his calculated pressure will corner him and land the shots he needs to. He said the fight we had was the hardest of his career and at 38 we don’t know what Beterbiev is going to be like next. Smith’s a dangerous fighter, great left hook. If Smith can set his feet and land the left hook it could be a very interesting fight.
Billy Nelson (Trainer)
Callum Smith will out-speed him and stop him. I think Beterbiev is deteriorating, and Callum Smith has grown strongly into his new weight category. I think he could have an initial three or four rounds where it’s tough but his youthfulness and his added power at light-heavyweight will be a deciding factor.
Cyrus Pattinson (Welterweight contender)
I really hope Smith does it. I’m going to back Smith at his new weight. I think he was drained a bit at super-middleweight. It’s going to be Beterbiev’s toughest fight so far so I’m going for Smith on points. Beterbiev has taken a lot of shots in his career and Smith will take a lot from that. It’s going to be a tough fight though because Beterbiev is a nasty animal.
Duke McKenzie (Three-weight world belt holder)
Beterbiev is going to win. I think Smith’s a little shot-worn now and he hasn’t been active enough. Beterbiev is a terrific puncher and a patient predator. He hurts you; he stuns you; he bludgeons you and he knocks you out. Smith’s not going to beat him. That will all be over in 10 rounds.
