QUEBEC | It was fortunate that Eddie Hearn hosted Thursday's press conference because we couldn't rely on Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith to entertain the gallery.
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The IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight (175lb) world champion was very economical with his words, while his English opponent was hardly more generous in his answers.
However, Beterbiev has a perfect record of 19 wins in as many professional fights. And most importantly, it has a knockout rate. 100%, which is rare.
Smith (29-1-0, 21 KOs) has now been inactive for 17 months, with his last fight dated August 20, 2022.
Challenge like any other
Smith's only loss came in December 2019, when he weighed in at 168 pounds, a decision to one Canelo Alvarez. The 33-year-old Englishman therefore has undeniable qualities. But what does he have more than Beterbiev's previous opponents?
“Nothing,” coach Marc Ramsay said bluntly. Honestly, it's still a challenge, but it's a different challenge. There are boxers who bring one element, two elements and guys who are a little more complete. You just have to sit down at the drawing board, plan everything and get started.”
But with Eddie Hearn in show mode on Thursday morning, he insisted his protégé could defeat the three-time champion.
“Callum is strong and when he was in the lower leagues you felt the weight loss was draining his energy. I think if Callum can hit Beterbiev cleanly he will put him out for the count,” Hearn said, adding that he doesn’t expect the fight to last longer than nine rounds.
It should be noted that Beterbiev fought 91 rounds in his 19 fights, an average of 4.8 rounds per duel. Smith's average is 5.07.
Old
Eddie Hearn added another layer to Beterbiev by offering Beterbiev what we might call a “complimarde.”
“Artur is an incredible champion who is very dangerous but is getting older.”
For Marc Ramsay, Beterbiev's 38 years (he turns 39 on January 21) are just a number and he assures that his stallion is still improving.
“He can always improve because he is a perfectionist who pays attention to details. Sometimes we even tend to take a break because he is always looking for a way to improve. He’s disappointed when he leaves the gym without feeling better.”
The best
With his three world titles, Artur Beterbiev is already in the firmament of Quebec boxing and Marc Ramsay, his long-time trainer, has never met anyone better.
“We have been world champions for eight years and have defended it. There is no denying that he is the best boxer I have ever worked with.”
The veteran trainer even goes so far as to say that Beterbiev has joined Quebec boxing legend.
“There is no doubt that he is the greatest champion Quebec has ever seen. His CV speaks for itself, I don’t have to sell that to you.”
Meeting with Bivol
We wrote it not long ago that fans would like to see a duel between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, holder of the IBO and WBA belts.
It seems this fantasy could become a reality if we trust Eddie Hearn, who definitely stuck his tongue out.
“There is already an agreement for a fight between Beterbiev and Bivol. We think Callum will win, but if Artur wins on Saturday he has a fight waiting for him in the Middle East.
Stronger
As for Callum Smith, this will be his third fight after moving from 168 pounds to 175 pounds, a decision he made following his loss to Canelo Alvarez.
“If I had beaten Canelo I might still be in this category, but that loss might have been the best thing that ever happened to me because I'm a better boxer now.”
The Englishman assures that, even if he has only had two fights since this setback of December 19, 2020, he is in top shape.
“I think technically and physically I'm a much better boxer at 175 pounds than I was at 168 pounds. I think the Callum who weighed 175 beats the one who weighed 168.”