Unified light-heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev, has announced the postponement of his title defence against WBC mandatory challenger, Callum Smith, after the Canadian-Russian was advised by his doctors following dental surgery.
Beterbiev has knocked out all nineteen of his opponents as a professional, following on from a successful amateur career which saw him win the gold medal at the 2009 World Championships.
Earlier this year, he travelled to London to face Anthony Yarde, scoring an eighth-round knockout win. Next month he was poised to face his second Brit of the year in the form of former 168lbs champion, Smith.
The Liverpudlian claimed the WBA super-middleweight crown after knocking out George Groves in 2018, making two defences before losing the belt to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and subsequently moving up to the light-heavyweight scene.
At 175lbs, ‘Mundo’ Smith has filled out and seemingly carries more power and knockout threat, with just six rounds completed in his two stoppage wins at the weight.
As a result, there was an air of excitement surrounding Beterbiev’s fight with Smith, with the anticipation of a high-octane affair for fans to get their teeth stuck into – but it’s the teeth of the 38-year-old champion that mean fans will have to wait, he explained in a post on social media.
“Assalamu Alaikan, dear friends! Unfortunately, the fight that was scheduled for August 19th has had to be rescheduled.”
“I recently had minor dental surgery and the doctors insisted on postponing the battle so that my jaw could heal. Thank you to everyone who has already purchased a ticket, the fight will take place but on another day. God’s plans are much better than our dreams.”
Whilst no new date has been announced, fans can expect the location to remain the same due to Beterbiev’s desire to have a ‘homecoming’ event in Canada.