Artur Beterbiev will defend his unified light-heavyweight titles against Callum Smith on August 19 at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
The Russian-Canadian is 19 for 19 in stoppages, and this will be his eighth world title defence since winning the IBF belt in 2017. Since then, he has picked up the WBC and WBO straps, and was most recently out in London against a valiant Anthony Yarde.
One of two kings in the 175lbs ranks, Beterbiev is keen to hold on to his status in the hope of facing Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed title in the future.
As the WBC’s number one challenger, Smith is looking to upset those plans. With knockouts in both of his fights since he moved up to the weight class, he won’t be in Canada just to take part.
Beterbiev said he was already training for a special night.
“Quebec is my second home, so I’m very happy to finally defend my titles on home turf. When you are world champion, everyone wants the opportunity to take your belt, and that’s especially true in my case, with three titles at stake.
I’ve already started my training camp, and I’ll be ready to not only defend my belts, but to also put on an impressive show August 19.”
Former super-middleweight champion, Smith, wants to add honours in another division to his record, and is confident he can be the first man to beat Beterbiev in a professional ring.
He has it all to do, but has looked a rejuvenated fighter since moving up from super middleweight following his one career loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez.
The Liverpudlian said being in the away corner wouldn’t be a problem.
“I’m no stranger to fighting on away soil, having boxed in Saudi Arabia twice, across America, and now heading to Canada on August 19.
There was no hesitation from me going to Canada to fight Artur Beterbiev, and I will be returning to Liverpool as a world champion once more.
“I’m excited to finally get my opportunity to become a two-weight world champion.”
The fight will be broadcast on live on ESPN in the States and Sky Sports in the UK in the early hours of the morning of August 20.