Artur Beterbiev defends his unified light-heavyweight world titles against Callum Smith this weekend in Quebec City, Canada.
The fearsome puncher has ended all of his 19 fights by knockout, and is edging closer to a long-awaited undisputed fight against Dmitry Bivol.
Smith moved up to light-heavyweight following his sole career defeat against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at 168, and has produced two impressive stoppages since doing so.
Beterbiev was last out against another Brit in Anthony Yarde, scoring an eighth round finish after being thoroughly tested by the Londoner.
Speaking to Boxing News, Yarde did subscribe to the theory that, at 38, Beterbiev may be slowing down, but felt that the champions relentless pressure would still be enough to retain his belts.
“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.”
UK fans can tune into the action on Sky Sports with the card starting from 1AM.