Callum Smith has big advantage vs Artur Beterbiev after harsh Canelo lesson
Callum Smith is back on the big stage and once more in his opponent’s back yard.
His only defeat came three years ago against Mexican maestro Saul Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight. Though the fight took place in Texas, it might as well have been Mexico City for all the love there was for Smith.
He is the underdog again against WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in Quebec City in his adopted home of Canada. Smith claims the best version of himself beats any opponent.
In his favour is Beterbiev’s age. The Russian-born veteran of 300 amateur bouts turns 39 this month. He lost only five times as an amateur and is unbeaten in 19 bouts as a pro, every one of them ending early. Beterbiev is a formidable opponent but fights only one way.
Callum Johnson had him over in the second with a short, left hook before being battered into submission in the fourth. The early rounds are dangerous for Smith, but they also offer him the best chance of success.
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He is a big puncher and if he connects like Johnson did he has the power to finish it. We lost to Smith with George Groves in Saudi Arabia. I know how good he is and how dangerous he can be.
Timing is all in sport and he might just be getting him at the right time, especially after the fight was postponed for five months because of Beterbiev’s jaw infection. He was disappointing in San Antonio against Canelo. He seemed mesmerised by him, intimidated by the atmosphere.
Incredibly he has fought only twice since and not for almost 18 months. That’s a long time to be idle when you are facing an opponent like Beterbiev. How he responds to Beterbiev’s power and unrelenting determination will arguably decide this fight. Smith won’t have to go looking for him. He’ll be right in front from the first bell.
Who will win - Smith or Beterbiev? Have your say in the comments below.
Artur Beterbiev has a perfect record from his 19 professional fights (Getty Images)
Smith needs to work behind the jab, try to keep the centre of the ring and look for the right over the top. As soon as the right hand lands, drive in that left hook, preferably in an upward movement. You have a far better chance of the shot sticking like that.
Smith is a better puncher than Anthony Yarde, who stood toe-to-toe before falling in the eighth at Wembley a year ago. That is the fate facing Smith if he does not capitalise early.
The longer this goes the odds move even more in favour of Beterbiev, who will start to wear him down and look to finish it in the championship rounds.
Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym
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