Bob Arum Looking to Stage Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith In Canada
Up next for unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) is a title defense against WBC mandatory challenger Callum ” Mundo” Smith (29-1, 21 KOs). But there was still a question of when and where the fight will occur. Team Beterbiev is now going public with details on the upcoming contest.
Top Rank acquired the rights to the bout at a WBC-ordered purse bid on May 2. During an interview with media outlet Pro Box TV, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum disclosed the targeted date and location for the fight.
“That’s going to be in Quebec in early August. We have a beautiful arena we’re putting it in, in Quebec. We’ve already secured the arena. We’re ready to go, and we’re sending out all the papers. I don’t know exactly what the date is, but he’ll be fighting Beterbiev in Quebec City in August.”
“It’s a tremendous fight. But I was always relieved that whoever won the purse bid, the fight would happen. We won it barely, and so we’re going to do it on ESPN.”
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It makes sense for Arum to stage the bout in Quebec, Canada. Beterbiev has lived in the province of Quebec since the start of his pro career. Canada has adopted the unified champion like he’s one of their own.
Beterbiev is considered the hardest puncher in the light heavyweight division. His last outing was an eighth-round stoppage over Anthony Yarde in January 2023.
Smith is the former WBA champion at super middleweight. He became the mandatory contender at 175 with a fourth-round stoppage over Mathieu Bauderlique in August 2022.
Many fans would love to see Beterbiev engage in a unification showdown with WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. But in boxing, mandatory fights and sanctioning body rules take precedence. Before Beterbiev can entertain a potential match with Bivol, he must defeat Smith. Mundo is looking to win and become a two-division world champion. Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing.com for any additional details.
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