WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and challenger Callum Smith faced off in the final press conference for their world title clash on ESPN Saturday night at the Videotron Center in the Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Artur Beterbiev: “I am excited, like in every fight. For this fight, we prepare like we usually do, which is 100 percent… I’m focused on this fight. I’m happy that my followers come to see us. But I have things to do.”
Callum Smith: “This will be exciting. He is a very good fighter. He is a three-belt champion, so his accomplishments speak for themselves. But I believe in myself. I always have. I think my best version can beat anyone in the world. I fully support it.”
The entire process took place without a handshake after the confrontation. Beterbiev is reportedly upset with Smith for allegedly misrepresenting an “atypical” VADA test he (Beterbiev) took in December. Beterbiev was acquitted after follow-up tests came back negative. An “atypical” result is different from an “adverse finding” and does not necessarily represent the use of a prohibited substance.
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