Callum Smith wants to dethrone Artur Beterbiev and become the best light-heavyweight in the world; ‘He is the toughest fight of my career. But I pose more of a threat to him than any of his previous opponents,’ Smith said; Watch Beterbiev vs Smith live on Sky Sports from 1am
Callum Smith has faced Canelo Alvarez, George Groves and many more, but believes Artur Beterbiev will be the toughest fight of his career.
But he also warns the unified WBC, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight champion that he is the greatest threat Beterbiev has faced too.
“I do see it as the toughest fight of my career, mentally and physically. I’m preparing myself for that. I’m here for the toughest fight of my career,” Smith told Sky Sports.
“He’s beat some good fighters. Obviously Anthony Yarde last time out, [Oleksandr] Gvozdyk for his WBC title, Joe Smith for his WBO, he has beat some good opposition.
“But I do believe I’d have beaten everyone he’s faced so far and I believe stylistically I pose more of a threat than any of his previous opponents.”
Beterbiev is a fearsome undefeated puncher, who has never been taken the full distance as a professional fighter. But Smith is not overawed by his power.
“He’s knocked everyone out he’s ever faced, so that deserves respect,” Smith said, before adding: “He’s probably got underrated boxing ability as well. He was world amateur champion.