In light of Callum Smith publicly discussing the ‘atypical findings’ of Artur Beterbiev’s drug tests from December last year, the light heavyweight champion has accused him of going beyond what is acceptable trash talk.
Beterbiev’s atypical findings for human growth hormone (HGH) and 5D-androstanediol in a VADA result in December prompted further tests that have come back negative.
Smith seemed to downplay the news and claimed he was happy the fight is to go ahead, although he did say it was ‘not a pass or a fail.’
Beterbiev took umbrage to him mentioning it in public at all and in a statement said he was a clean athlete and Smith’s conduct is beyond acceptable.
“It has come to my attention that Callum intends to disseminate misleading information about my VADA testing program for this fight. Let me be clear now: I am a clean athlete. I have never tested positive for a banned substance throughout my amateur and professional career and I complied with all VADA requirements and protocols during the build-up to this fight.
Any attempt to imply otherwise, through innuendo or suggestion is slanderous and libelous. This conduct is beyond acceptable trash talk in combat sports. Callum is already searching for excuses, looking for a way out. See you Saturday.”
The Brit is coming off two stoppage wins since he moved up to 175, whilst Beterbiev is the only current world champion to end all his contests by knockout. He continued this impressive streak against Joe Smith Jr in 2022 and Anthony Yarde last year.