The Russian dominated the challenger for six rounds, and in the seventh three-minute round, he shocked the Brit with a right jab before unleashing a hail of punches on his opponent and forcing him to take a knee.
Seconds after the match resumed, Smith was knocked down again and his corner refused to continue the fight, which was stopped at the 2:00 mark.
Artur Beterbiev’s next opponent will be his compatriot Dmitry Bivol, who holds the WBA and IBO titles. The Russian’s bout, which will take place this year in Saudi Arabia, will determine the absolute world boxing champion in the light heavyweight division.