Jeddah Superdome, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A qualifying fight took place according to the WBC version in the super middleweight (up to 76.2 kg): the ex-world champion Briton Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) brightly knocked out the Olympic medalist from France Mathieu Boderlik (21-2, 12 KOs). He is now the mandatory challenger for Canadian-born Russian-born unified world champion Artur Beterbiev.
Instead of the supposed positional boxing and fencing with jabs, both set to work actively. Smith shocked southpaw Boderlik, who landed a beautiful left hook in return. Great start! In the 2nd three-minute period, the fighters continued in the same spirit. The underdog worked a little more accurately, but Smith’s punches were much more powerful, and he also has a tangible physical superiority in the fight in clinches.
The beginning of the 3rd three-minute period took place in a relatively positional struggle. Then Smith pinned his opponent in the corner, punched well in the body. He responded with a successful counterattack. In the 4th round, the fight ended: the favorite first knocked down the opponent, and shortly before the gong knocked out with a bright left hook.
It will have chances with Beterbiev! They definitely will!
Smith KO 4.
