Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith. Tale of the BODA

 

PROLOGUE

ARTUR BETERBIEV

Artur Beterbiev, the Russian professional boxer, has had a remarkable career in the world of boxing. Since turning pro in 2013, Beterbiev has taken the boxing world by storm with his relentless power and superior technique.

Beterbiev is known for his explosive knockout power, as evidenced by his impressive record of 19 wins with all of them coming by way of knockout. His ability to deliver devastating blows with both hands has made him a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division.

Moreover, Beterbiev's fighting style displays a perfect blend of precision and aggression, allowing him to dominate his opponents in the ring. His ability to effectively cut off the ring and maneuver his opponents into a corner has contributed to his impressive winning streak.

Throughout his career, Beterbiev has faced and arguably demolished some of the top names in the light heavyweight division, solidifying his reputation as a fear worthy true champion. His notable stoppage victories over notable fighters like Enrico Koelling, Callum Johnson, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk and more recently his stoppage wins over Adam Deines, Marcus Browne, Joe Smith Junior and the respected Anthony Yarde have given him a reputation that can be likened to that of Mike Tyson or George Foreman in their prime, but time is no longer actually on his side.

Beterbiev's determination and relentless work ethic have played a crucial role in his success. His unwavering dedication to his craft, along with his natural talent, has helped him become an unstoppable force inside the squared circle.

As Beterbiev's career continues to evolve, the anticipation for his future matches only grows stronger. With his incredible knockout power and skillset, boxing fans worldwide eagerly await his next feat inside the ring. There's no doubt that Artur Beterbiev has left an indelible mark on the sport and has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the light heavyweight division.

CALLUM SMITH

Callum Smith, the British professional boxer, has had a successful career in the world of boxing up until the end of 2023. Standing at 6'3'', Smith possesses a long reach, which he has used to his advantage in dominating the super middleweight division.

Smith showcased his significant skills by capturing the WBA super middleweight title in 2018 in stopping veteran George Groves in 7 rounds and defending it successfully against Hassan N'Dam N’jikam and John Ryder before losing to the living boxing legend Saul Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision in an exciting but not highly competitive fight that called into question just how good he really was being that he enjoyed a very significant height and reach advantage over Canelo.

Calum Smith moved up to the light heavyweight division in desperately needing to redeem his image and career rating

While he can be said to have been relatively inactive at Light Heavyweight, his two wins via early knockout in that division have been devastating enough to earn him today's world title shot against the man with the most intimidating record at that level, the Canada based Russian Artur Beterbiev, who has 19 straight knockout wins, 8 of which have been successive world title fights.

This fight between Calum Smith and Artur Beterbiev was initially supposed to take place iin August 2023, but it was rescheduled due to Beterbiev needing jaw surgery.

Calum Smith has shown improvement since moving up to the light heavyweight division, punching harder and looking more comfortable in his fights.

He is considered Beterbiev’s toughest opponent to date, if only because of that awesome power he has demonstrated.

 

 What does BODA MEAN?

TALE OF THE BODA

Offense Quality

Callum Smith's low power punch landed output against Canelo Alvarez is one crucial indicator to look at here. Beterbiev, on the other hand, has regularly averaged at least 11 power punches per round in his last few fights.

Advantage: Beterbiev

Defense

While his inability to keep Canelo Alvarez and John Ryder at range sufficiently well despite enjoying the massive height and reach advantage in those fights made him look sufficiently susceptible defensively, many will argue that Artur Beterbiev gets hit often too.

Advantage: Smith (Slightly).

Chin

In the build up to this fight, Smith has pointed out that his opponent today has been dropped twice, while he himself has avoided any known knockdowns since turning pro. Tonight will actually show how valid this boast is, since Smith has only experienced Light Heavyweight punching power twiwerce officially, while Artur Beterbiev has been a Light Heavyweight for his whole professional career!

Advantage: Smith (Perhaps!)

Power

Callum Smith’s k.o percentage as a Super Middleweight wasn't up to 80%, while Artur Beterbiev has stopped all his 19 Light Heavyweight opponents to date. 2 stoppage wins in the current division isn't good enough to hand Smith the advantage here.

Advantage: Beterbiev

VERDICT

Either man can win this anyhow, but the experience and pedigree factor, beginning from amateur records, suggest Beterbiev is the more ready man!

Beterbiev by Decision with both men get dropped at least once each or Beterbiev by very late stoppage with at least a knock down by either fighter beforehand!

 

Update: Beterbiev stops Callum Smith in Rd 7 after 2 knockdowns. Surpassed our BODA based predictions. JRadBoxingBoda expected it to last longer! WOOOWW!