Promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank) made it clear that at least until the end of the year, an absolute world champion would not appear in the light heavyweight division. This weekend in New York (USA), local underdog Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) will fight Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) from Russia for the WBC, IBF and WBO belts.
Another title in this weight – WBA Super – belongs to Russian Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs). Despite the desire of all three champions to quickly determine the absolute, the winner of the fight Beterbiev vs Smith already seems to have an opponent.
Tells show promoter Arum: “Will the winner come out right away against Bivol? No. I hope that the winner of the bout will accept the fight with Brit Anthony Yard, who is the mandatory challenger from the WBO and will come to New York to see his future opponent with his own eyes.”
Arum also shared his prediction: “I’m looking forward to the fight. If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that these guys won’t play. This is going to be the most real fight ever. I wouldn’t even be surprised if they give out the fight of the year. Beterbiev is the bookmaker’s favorite, and there are reasons for this. He has a bright record – 17 fights, 17 wins, 17 knockouts. But let me tell you, Smith is not a gift either. This guy is a master of fighting, and he has a blow. It seems to me that their chances are extremely equal.
The expert strongly disagrees with Arum ESPN channel — keep the forecast from Timothy Bradley. We have approximately the same opinion – the forecast and bets for this fight from WMMAA. It is interesting that on the eve of Smith told, due to which he plans to beat Beterbiev.
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