Bivol Signs, Beterbiev's Hurdle with Callum Smith
In an eagerly anticipated move, WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has officially signed to face IBF, WBC & WBO champion Artur Beterbiev in a blockbuster undisputed championship bout set for Saudi Arabia in April or May. However, the much-anticipated matchup hinges on Beterbiev's success in defeating Callum Smith on January 13th, with the winner securing the golden ticket to face Bivol. Beterbiev, undefeated with a perfect record of 19-0 and 19 KOs, faces a formidable challenge in the shape of Callum Smith, a seasoned fighter with a record of 29-1 and 21 KOs. Eddie Hearn, Smith's promoter, has confirmed that if Smith emerges victorious, negotiations for a four-belt clash against Bivol will be on the table. The excitement is palpable as the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the Beterbiev-Smith showdown. Eddie Hearn, in assessing the upcoming battle, pointed out Smith's boxing intelligence and one-punch knockout power as potential advantages. Smith's recent performances have showcased his power, but questions linger about his work rate and whether he can sustain it at the light heavyweight level. Hearn is optimistic about an upset potential, emphasizing that if Beterbiev makes mistakes, Smith has the capability to knock him out cold. As the Beterbiev-Smith fight approaches, Hearn acknowledges the wear and tear that accumulates over time in a fighter's career. He points to past bouts, like the Callum Johnson fight in 2018, to highlight potential vulnerabilities in Beterbiev's game. With Smith occupying a strategic position going into the clash, Hearn sees an opportunity for an upset and is eager to capitalize on it. The potential for an undisputed showdown between Bivol and Beterbiev adds an extra layer of excitement to the light heavyweight division. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching the upcoming bouts, as the landscape of the division hangs in the balance. #Bivol #Beterbiev #CallumSmith #UndisputedShowdown #Boxing #EddieHearn #SaudiArabiaBout
