Artur Beterbiev retained his unified light-heavyweight world titles by stopping Callum Smith in the seventh round in Quebec.
The fearsome champion extended his record to 20 stoppages in as many fights – the only active world champion to have ended all contests by knockout – when Smith was dropped twice forcing his trainer Buddy McGirt to pull his man out.
It was the first time Smith had touched the canvas in 30-fight career, proving Beterbiev, at 38, still has what it takes to blow out anyone who wants a shot. He now moves ahead to a long-awaited undisputed fight with Dmitry Bivol.
Fighters and pundits were suitably impressed…
Shane McGuigan
Fair play to Callum. He tried to win that fight unlike when he boxed Canelo (weight factor). Callum put up a great fight even tho it was one sided! Beterbiev was so efficient on the jab & naturally heavy handed. No tell on his shots. He has to be number 1 over Bivol.
— Shane McGuigan (@McGuigans_Gym) January 14, 2024
Sunny Edwards
https://twitter.com/SunnyEdwards/status/1746438188690801086
Dan Rafael
Official #BeterbievSmith scorecard. I find it laughable any rounds were giving to Smith. #boxing pic.twitter.com/D0j8qZN93J
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) January 14, 2024
Ariel Helwani
20 for 20 for Beterbiev.
38 and showing no signs of slowing down.
Can’t wait to see him versus Bivol. pic.twitter.com/JGekxeIcZ8
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 14, 2024
Artur Beterbiev
"It's because of luck!" ?♂️
Artur Beterbiev reacts to his stoppage win against Callum Smith. #BeterbievSmith pic.twitter.com/lE1ZVRoHkv
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 14, 2024
George Kambosos Jr
Beterbiev!!!! Bivol next ?? what a fight #boxing
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) January 14, 2024
Tony Bellew
He’s a beast and a fighter who is getting stronger as he gets older which is hard to believe but he is! Callum as brave as anything! A soldier who went there and gave it everything! Faced that monster in his backyard! So frustrated cos I wanna say more! ?boxing?
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) January 14, 2024
Sergio Mora
In order to beat a BEAST like Beterbiev you need an intelligent jab, discipline, patience and footwork! Everything his next opponent has…#BeterbievBivol will be a CLASSIC clash of styles between PUNCHER vs boxer.
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) January 14, 2024
Anthony Yarde
#BeterbievSmith over in round 7
Who wants to see #BeterbievYarde 2? ??— Anthony Yarde (@mranthonyyarde) January 14, 2024
