Promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank) was asked about the next fight of the unified light heavyweight champion Canadian knockout Arthur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) – he should meet with the challenger from the WBC British Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs).
“I’m not going to talk about Smith,” suddenly
began Arum’s conversation. – Why is that? Well, as far as I remember, he has a fight in March. So what’s the point in talking about his duel with Beterbiev until he has closed the current issues? He can win, he can lose, he can get injured or cut.”
Smith has a moderate intermediate fight ahead – on March 11 in Liverpool (England) he will box with the Pole Pavel Stepin (18-0-1, 12 KOs).
Arum does not argue that if the favorite wins, “Smith will be our main option, because he is a mandatory challenger. Unless only we can agree on unification with Dmitry Bivol. But he will most likely take a rematch with Canelo Alvarez in September, because this is a much more profitable fight. We will definitely monitor the situation with Smith and watch his fight. After all, this is a really strong fighter and a competitive opponent for Arthur, whom I personally consider to be the strongest fighter in the division.”
Arum talked about where the fight between Beterbiev and Smith could take place: “It all depends on the proposals. The fight can take place in Canada, because Beterbiev has been living in Montreal for 12 years now. He is there and very popular. But Britain also remains in force, because Beterbiev went to London without any problems to fight with Anthony Yarde. I think the British boxing fans liked him. Including your character. He surprised them at a press conference. They didn’t expect him to be so positive and well-mannered.”
According to Arum, “If Smith wins without incident in March, then I will contact his promoter Eddie Hearn right away and we will work something out. You know, if there is a mutual desire, then you can always come up with something.”
How do you think, how would the unification duel Beterbiev vs Bivol end? The ex-champion and analyst believes that Dmitry will beat Arthur, no doubt about it. It’s funny that Hearn was asked the other day about the Canelo-Beterbiev fight. His eyes lit up.