WBA Light-Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol has offered his thoughts ahead of Artur Beterbiev’s upcoming unified title defence against Callum Smith, where he pointed out a main reason as to why he gives one man the edge.
Beterbiev and Bivol have been linked to a undisputed showdown for over a year now, although the WBC’s stance on Russian fighters has proved to be a major stumbling block for the fight.
Instead, Beterbiev opted to face Anthony Yarde in January, where he came away with an eighth-round knockout victory to maintain his astonishing 100% knockout record, after a gruelling contest.
The Canadian-Russian was then ordered to face WBC mandatory challenger Smith, who has stopped both of his opponents in the light-heavyweight division since the former WBA super-middleweight champion stepped up from 168lbs.
Their clash was set for August 19th, however, Beterbiev was forced to pull out from the fight after he suffered a bone infection in his jaw, causing the clash to be postponed until January 13th.
As their rescheduled bout approaches, Bivol offered his prediction in an interview with Boxing Social, where he pointed out one of Smith’s flaws, that could play directly into the hands of the hard-hitting champion.
“I am giving more credit to Beterbiev because he has more experience and he is a tough fighter. Smith will want him to come close to him, he has long arms, but he usually closes the distance, he doesn’t use his arms and for Beterbiev that is good.”
Beterbiev-Smith will take place this month in Quebec, where Bivol will be watching closely and hoping that his long-awaited bid for the undisputed title against the winner can be manufactured soon after.