Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) and challenger Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) spoke at a final press conference on Thursday, just days before they meet in the ring.
The two will face off in the main event of a card on January 23 taking place at the Vidéotron Center in Quebec City, Canada. Beterbiev-Smith will air live on ESPN in the US, Sky Sports Main Event in the UK and Punching Grace in Canada with a subscription. The fight was originally going to take place on August 19, but had to be postponed due to a surgical procedure Beterbiev underwent.
How to watch upcoming fights
Select a VPN service optimized for streaming. We recommend PIA VPN. Download the VPN and connect to the server from 80+ countries. Sign in to a boxing streaming service. Stream it no matter where you are!
Highlights from the Beterbiev vs. Smith press conference
Artur Beterbiev
“I’m excited like every fight,” said the Canadian of Russian origin. “For this fight, we try to prepare as we usually do. [do]which is 100 percent.”
“I am focused to fight. I’m happy about [local fans] come look at us. “I have things to do, other things to do.”
“When you are [a] athletes, it has already changed their lives. You are an athlete, it is your job. I’m happy [that] Am [a] Boxer, [a] sportsman…”
Callum Smith
“It’s good, I’m here to do a job,” said former super middleweight champion Smith. “I’m here to be world champion again. “I’m here with my team and as long as I’m with them, I can be anywhere and feel at home… I’m in a good place mentally and physically and I’m ready to perform.”
“I think it will be exciting. He is a very good fighter. He is a champion. He is a three-belt champion. So, his achievements speak for themselves, but I believe in myself, I always have. I think the best version of me surpasses anyone in the world. I fully support it.”
“I have improved a lot in recent years with [my trainer] Friend McGirt. And the time is now. I am ready to become world champion in two divisions. The opportunity is presented to me this weekend and it is an opportunity that I plan to take advantage of.”
“Regardless of whether the crowd is applauding me or against me, I’m there to do a job. My attention is focused on my opponent. It’s nice to have people cheering you on. But if not, I will still be there to do the same.”
Full press conference
Those who missed the press conference can click below to watch it in full. The full video can be seen on the Top Rank Boxing YouTube channel.
