The magnitude of Callum Smith’s task on Saturday night (January 13) is evident.
Artur Beterbiev is undefeated in 19 fights, has stopped or knocked out all of his opponents and is rightly known as one of boxing’s most devastating fighters. But with his 39th birthday quickly approaching, is this the right time for someone like Smith to take advantage?
The first big fight of 2024 pits two highly punching light heavyweights against each other and Beterbiev, the champion, is the favorite to get the job done. But what does the trade think? Boxing News reached out to several industry figures to get their predictions on the fight.
Anthony Yarde (Light Heavyweight contender) – I think Beterbiev will eventually figure out Smith and his calculated pressure will corner him and land the shots. Smith is a dangerous fighter, a great left hook. If Smith can steady his feet and land the left hook, it could be a very interesting fight. Charlie Edwards (former WBC belt holder) – I think Callum Smith will be the man to knock out Beterbiev. I think he catches it in the middle of the rounds. Anthony Farnell (Coach) – I think Smith wins inside the distance. The straight right will do it, similar to when Smith knocked down Hassan N’Dam. He just can’t stand for long because that’s what Beterbiev wants. Conor Quinn (Flyweight prospect): I think Callum Smith wins by TKO/KO in the later rounds. Beterbiev is nearing the end of his career and Smith is very smart, especially with his counterattacks. Nathaniel Collins (British Featherweight Champion) – I predict a stoppage victory for Beterbiev. I wouldn’t rule out Callum as he too has power, range and good inside work. I just think Beterbiev will be too strong and the pressure from him will be too much for Smith and he will eventually crumble. Carl Greaves (Promoter/Trainer) – Beterbiev is a formidable champion, but he is starting to look vulnerable and I think he is ready to be attacked. Callum is a different fighter at light heavyweight. Artur is still very dangerous with KO power in both hands and Callum has to box smartly and not make mistakes, but I think he will cause a surprise and stop Beterbiev late. Bradley Rea (super middleweight contender) – I’m endorsing that Smith Beterbiev’s age has to reach some point, he can’t go on forever. He has shown that he can get hurt and Smith seems to be a monster since he moved up to light heavyweight. Gary Lockett (Trainer) – Boxing is all about timing, and I think we may be starting to see some cracks appear with Beterbiev. Callum has been on the brink of something big for years. He is world class and the weight gain has benefited him. Beterbiev is a great puncher and a fearsome fighter, but I think the time is right for Callum to reach his potential and take the titles. Callum Smith due to unemployment. Bec Connolly (featherweight) – I’m going with Smith. Beterbiev can be a fearsome puncher, but I think Smith has all the attributes necessary to do it. Andy Lee (Coach) – It’s a great fight and either man can win it. Emma Dolan (super flyweight contender) – I can’t imagine Beterbiev getting hurt. He is a very strong and solid man, but Callum Smith is the younger man and has proven himself effective. He has the power at light heavyweight. I don’t see him going to points. I would say Smith by knockout between rounds eight and 12. Hannah Rankin (former WBA super welterweight belt holder) – Although Beterbiev has had to overcome some injuries lately and some may think he is on the decline, I think that should He went through the first few rounds where Callum will be more dangerous. Beterbiev by stoppage in the second half of the fight. Jon Pegg (trainer/trainer) – Smith with a counter left hook leading to a stoppage in the 8th round after an initial scare. Jay Harris (British flyweight champion): I think Callum Smith will knock him out in eight rounds. Mark Jeffers (super middleweight contender) – I’m going to pick Callum Smith in the points. I thought Beterbiev’s timing against Yarde looked good and I think Smith might be too fresh. Lerrone Richards (light heavyweight contender) – It’s hard for me to decide this, so I’ll remain undecided. Steve Goodwin (promoter/manager) – Even though Beterbiev is a fading force, I think he will have too much for Callum, who doesn’t have the same drive that he once had. I’m going for Beterbiev for a stop. Kevin Maree (Coach) – Callum Smith has a lot of chances, but I think inactivity could catch him out in this one. I think Callum will start well, possibly even dropping Beterbiev, but I’m going for Beterbiev to weather the storm and stop Callum late. Sam Noakes (lightweight contender): I think Callum Smith could do the job. Since he promoted, he looks unreal and domineering. Leigh Wood (former WBA featherweight belt holder) – Callum Smith by knockout. I think Callum will catch him on the counter. He is very composed in the high guard and I think Callum will be successful in countering him. Steve Wood (Manager/Promoter) – Callum has a chance, but he has to be early. If he can land early, then a KO victory is a possibility. But Beterbiev will most likely come into action and I see him winning with a late KO. Harry Bufanda (British Welterweight Champion) – I would like to see Smith start fast as I think Beterbiev starts a little slow. But I think Beterbiev is going to be too strong down the stretch, similar to Canelo vs Smith. Close fight but Beterbiev on points. Maxi Hughes (lightweight contender): I choose Callum Smith. The reason is the advantage that Callum is younger, fresher in weight and Beterbiev is 38 years old. He’s been in tough fights. I think father time will catch up. It’s Callum’s big opportunity and that can bring out the best in him. Richard Farnan (Cutman/trainer) – I think Beterbiev will win by late stoppage. Beterbiev is a beast at this weight, he is not war-torn in any way, regardless of his age. He is a fighter who hasn’t had many wars and has ended fights early. Callum’s only chance is to box and move and not try to go toe to toe with him. Linus Udofia (middleweight contender) – A closer fight than people think, but Artur Beterbiev will win by late stoppage or majority points decision. Smith is long and lean, which could cause him problems, but Smith won’t go toe-to-toe, which will be an advantage for him. But Beterbiev wins. Nina Hughes (WBA bantamweight belt holder) – Beterbiev is strong and relentless. Callum Smith can fight inside and at distance. I think Callum can stop him late. Matthew Hatton (Coach) – It’s a great fight. A coin toss. Callum looks much better at light heavyweight. If it were my last pound, I would have to give it to Artur Beterbiev. I just can’t face a guy with that record, that many knockouts. Beterbiev for a late stop. Josh Taylor (former world super lightweight champion) I think Callum will do it. Both are coming off fairly lengthy layoffs. That can influence. Ultimately, Callum is younger and fresher, he’s had less damage over time and I think he could take him down and stop him with a signature left hook to the head. We have seen Beterbiev injured several times. I’m going with Callum Smith and I wouldn’t be surprised if he stopped him. Liam Dillon (British Super Featherweight Champion) – I think Callum Smith wins on points. Artur Beterbiev is very strong and a huge puncher, and against Yarde he showed that he has a very good chin, so I don’t think Smith will get the stoppage. I think the fight will be competitive, but I think with Smith’s experience and skill he will win the fight convincingly. Joe Hughes (former European super lightweight champion) – I’ll take Smith for the points. I think he will have to go through some tough times but he will win by close decision. Michael McKinson (welterweight contender) – I think Callum Smith stops Beterbiev in the middle and end of the rounds. He looked so big and strong at 175 pounds. I also think it’s the perfect time for him. Neither has been very active, but Beterbiev is 38 years old and was down on the scorecards against Yarde before he was stopped. Gary Logan (Coach) – Beterbiev is truly an impressive box hitter. His pressure puts you in a hole where you don’t hit him back, or his power overwhelms you if you hit him. Callum is the best (aside from Gvozdyk) Beterbiev has faced up to this point. So much grace, poise, skill and power. But Callum’s inactivity has lasted longer than Beterbiev’s forced dismissal. That’s huge for me. Going for Beterbiev by stoppage in the last round. Owen Cooper (welterweight prospect) – I think Callum Smith thought Yarde put up a great fight against Beterbiev and showed a couple of weaknesses. Smith’s inactivity could play a role, but Beterbiev isn’t getting any younger and I think Smith’s youth, size and boxing ability give him the win. Jack Bateson (featherweight contender) – I think Callum Smith will win by KO. Beterbiev is known as a demolition machine and when he gets close he has the power to knock anyone out. However, Callum has shown that he has the power to do the same. Callum has the boxing ability along with the reach to keep Beterbiev at bay and outrun him and he could catch him late. Jamie Conlan (Promoter) – I really think Callum Smith wins by KO. It could be a real penalty shootout that does not go beyond six rounds. Beterbiev has terrifying power, but time waits for no one, and this could be the perfect moment. Callum is tall and can expose Beterbiev’s openings when he advances. It could be a case of whoever lands first. Lyndon Arthur (light heavyweight contender) – I think it depends on how much Beterbiev has left. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight, but I do think that if Beterbiev has anything left, he’ll take the win. Mark Dunlop (Promoter) – I think Beterbiev will win by knockout in the tenth round. Callum has only had six competitive rounds in over two years, which could be the telling factor once the fight gets deeper. But I wouldn’t rule out an upset because Smith is the bigger and younger man. Sol Dacres (heavyweight prospect) – Beterbiev late stoppage. Junaid Bostan (super welterweight prospect) – When Beterbiev fought Yarde I said the two men who beat him at 175 are Bivol and Smith. Smith stoppage. Padraig McCrory (light heavyweight contender) – I think Smith can do it by knockout. He was a big, strong super middleweight and now he’s a stronger light heavyweight and I think he can do the job. Reece Mold (lightweight contender): I’m going to bet on Callum Smith on points. I think his boxing skill is better and he can do everything, so I will be on par with him. Aston Brown (Middleweight Prospect): Callum Smith will escort you to a catch counter. I don’t think there’s going to be a feeling process in this fight. Both will be resounding from the first moment. Beterbiev is dangerous throughout, but Callum is a little cuter and will catch him. Jack Massey (cruiserweight contender): I’m going for a left hook KO of Callum Smith. He has the punching power that will prevent Beterbiev from simply advancing. Ekow Essuman (welterweight contender) – Smith has been operating at a class level, Beterbiev has been operating at an exceptional level. However, father time will always show up eventually. I think if Callum wants to make the most of his bet in this match, he needs to hurt Beterbiev first.
Result: Beterbiev 14 votes, Smith 27 votes, undecided three votes
And to see even more industry predictions compiled by BN, click on the video below.
