Artur Beterbiev successfully defended his WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight titles in a dominant fashion, securing a seventh-round TKO victory over Callum Smith in Quebec City. This win further cemented Beterbiev’s reputation as a formidable force in the light heavyweight division. The fight, characterized by Beterbiev’s aggressive and accurate punching, saw him land a staggering 182 punches out of 471 thrown, reflecting a 39% success rate according to CompuBox statistics.
The time is now for Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol to crown an undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO light-heavyweight world champion in 2024… pic.twitter.com/5Nbp3t0fzO
His efficiency was evident across all categories, with a remarkable 39% of his jabs and power punches finding their mark. Beterbiev’s power was a decisive factor, as a chopping right hand in the seventh round significantly weakened Smith, leading to the challenger’s downfall under an intense flurry of punches.
Callum Smith, holding a record of 29-2 with 21 KOs before this fight, displayed resilience despite the overwhelming odds. He managed to survive two knockdowns but was visibly incapacitated, prompting his trainer Buddy McGirt to intervene and halt the bout. This decisive victory for Beterbiev not only marked his seventh championship defense but also maintained his unique status in boxing as the only champion with a 100% knockout ratio.
At the time of the stoppage, Beterbiev was leading on the scorecards, a testament to his superior performance in the ring. This emphatic win leaves no doubt about Beterbiev’s dominance in the light heavyweight category and poses a significant challenge to any future contenders aiming to dethrone the reigning champion.
