Eddie Hearn, promoter of Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs), has made a daring prediction ahead of Smith’s upcoming bout with IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs). Hearn believes that Smith possesses the power to knock out Beterbiev with a single, clean shot in their clash at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City.
Hearn envisions a scenario where the former WBA super middleweight champion Smith will time Beterbiev perfectly, potentially delivering a knockout punch by the eighth or ninth round. He notes Smith’s freshness and size as key advantages in this high-stakes encounter.
Smith’s performance will be crucial in this match, especially considering his layoff since August 2022, when he knocked out Mathieu Bauderlique in the fourth round. Despite the inactivity, Smith has been continuously training, which Hearn believes will keep him sharp against a formidable opponent like Beterbiev.
Hearn stresses that Smith cannot afford to be passive in this fight. He must be bold and willing to exchange blows with Beterbiev, whose power is well-known. Hearn is confident in Smith’s ability to deliver a one-punch knockout.
This bout carries significant implications, as the winner is set to face WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated undisputed clash. Hearn has already negotiated a deal for Bivol to fight the winner of Beterbiev-Smith, and the stage is set for an epic showdown in the light heavyweight division.
Image Credit: Sky Sports