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Callum Smith: Don’t try to tell me Artur Beterbiev’s a monster when two people have put him over!

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Artur Beterbiev and Smith

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.

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BOXING

Artur Beterbiev’s power is frightening but Callum Smith can cause upset

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Artur Beterbiev

Briton Dan Azeez writes for BBC Sport to discuss compatriot and gym-mate Callum Smith’s chances against light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev.

Undefeated Russian Beterbiev will defend his IBF, WBC and WBO belts in Quebec, Canada on Saturday.

Can Liverpool’s Smith cause an upset and become a two-weight world champion? Or will Beterbiev maintain his 100% knockout record with another explosive performance?

I sparred Artur Beterbiev in Canada before his fight with Joe Smith Jr in 2022.

A guy came to pick me up to take me to the gym. He was a sparring partner as well. The moment I got into the car I noticed he had the fattest black eye and both his nose and lip were busted.

“Please don’t say you have been sparring Artur?” I asked him. He just nodded his head.

I asked him whether he could give me any advice. His response was simple yet a little unhelpful – “just keep your hands up”.

Beterbiev has been a world champion for more than six years and has knocked out all 19 of his opponents as a professional. To the untrained eye, his power is frightening. Well I can tell you that it feels even more frightening in real life. It is insane.

There were fighters in camp who had enough and left after just one round of sparring.

Some people are writing Smith off and that is fair enough when you look at Beterbiev’s record, but do not start dismissing Smith’s chances too quickly.

We are both trained by Buddy McGirt and I have seen his focus and drive for this fight first hand.

Smith too has excellent experience as an amateur and professional. He was a world champion at super-middleweight and has only ever lost to the brilliant Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Both men can punch and have good ring IQ. This is definitely going to be an exciting fight – I do not see it going the distance.

If I was not boxing Joshua Buatsi in just a few weeks’ time I would be trying everything I could to get a ringside seat in Quebec. There are going to be fireworks.

When I first met Beterbiev I expected him to be this no-nonsense, stern-faced Russian guy. I could not have been more wrong. He is the funniest guy ever, always making jokes.

Me and the other sparring partners would huddle up, plotting and planning on how to take him down. He came over and went “Oh, Dan, so you are the ring leader? No problem.”

He is also so polite and respectful. One time after a hard spar he came over to me and apologised. I was like: “what are you saying sorry for? That is what I am here for.”

Because Beterbiev knocks everyone out, nobody focuses on his other attributes. His footwork and boxing brain are very good.

He has timing and can cut the ring so well. He is a man who has boxed and beaten current heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in the amateurs.

But every fighter is beatable. Nobody is invincible. Beterbiev was dropped by Callum Johnson in 2018 and at times against Anthony Yarde last year he was getting caught.

Beterbiev puts his best performances in when he respects you. When get gets in there and lacks respect for an opponent, he gets a bit gung-ho.

That is when he is the most vulnerable. Smith is a great counter puncher and his best chance is if Beterbiev just tries to bulldoze his way through him and not show any respect.

I could fight gym-mate Smith – nobody is off limits

Having been around Smith, I can just tell he is someone who not just in there for a purse. He is someone who looking to achieve and leave a legacy.

I like the underdog story and that is why I am rooting for Smith. A win for him would be massive for British boxing. The last light-heavyweight world champion from here was Nathan Cleverley.

It would be nice for Smith to bring these belts here and us Britons can have our own little mix-up. The Russians – Beterbiev and WBA (Super) champion Dmitry Bivol – have held the belts hostage for too long.

Like Smith, I am also targeting a world title at light-heavyweight – but there is not any awkwardness between us in the gym.

I have twice been in camp with him in America. He is happy to share advice and having him as a stablemate is a definite plus for me. He has been where I am trying to get to. So whatever knowledge I can gain from him, I try to.

Having said that, nobody is off limits. Remember, I am fighting Buatsi who I have known for over a decade and sparred over a thousand rounds with.

But whether Smith, Beterbiev or Bivol are future opponents for me is irrelevant right now. My sole focus is on Buatsi at Wembley Arena on 3 February.

After I get my hand raised I can start looking at the best scenario to capture a world title.

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BOXING

Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith purse: How much money will the champion take from the fight?

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Artur Beterbiev

In the electrifying matchup between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith, more than just world titles are on the line. The fighters are set to battle for a hefty purse of $2,115,000, raising the question: Who will earn more from this high-profile bout?

Beterbiev, with his perfect knockout record, faces Smith, a formidable challenger with vast expectations. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a financial duel where every punch could mean a swing in earnings.

Top Rank, having secured the rights with a winning bid of $2,115,000, has set the financial terms for this clash. Beterbiev, the IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion, is set to receive $1,332,450, a lion’s share of 70% of the 90% winning bid. Smith, ranked number three by The Ring in the light heavyweight category, will take home $571,050, making up 30% of the 90% bid.

Will Artur Beterbiev Earn More Than Callum Smith?

Adding to the drama is an additional 10% of the winning bid, a bonus of $211,500, reserved for the victor. This lucrative incentive intensifies the bout, making it more than just a battle for titles but a fight for a significant financial gain.

With Top Rank’s strategic win in the WBC auction, Beterbiev and Smith not only fight for their legacy but also for a substantial monetary reward. The question remains: Will Smith dethrone Beterbiev and claim both the titles and the financial jackpot? Or will Beterbiev continue his unbeaten streak and add to his winnings?

This clash of titans is not just a test of physical prowess but also a race for a major financial windfall. With over $200,000 on the line for the winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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BOXING

Francis Ngannou responds to claims he was “lucky” against Tyson Fury

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Tyson Fury

Francis Ngannou has vowed to show his performance against Tyson Fury wasn’t a fluke as he prepares to face Anthony Joshua.

Fury was shockingly taken the distance by former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in their crossover fight last year. The Brit was expected to cruise past Ngannou and fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed belts two months after, but he was dropped and only won by one point in a scrutinised decision.

Fans were quick to downplay Ngannou’s performance by insisting that Fury didn’t train properly for the fight and had an off-night. Ngannou has responded to his critics by tweeting: “He got lucky last time. He won’t be able to block out the noise this time. He can’t do it again, can he? We’ll see. Camp has started.”

Joshua was expected to face Deontay Wilder after knocking out Otto Wallin last month but their two-fight deal was ruined when Wilder lost to Joseph Parker. Ngannou took Wilder’s spot and will now face Joshua on March 8 in Saudi Arabia to close out Riyadh season. Ngannou was impressed by Joshua’s recent win but explained why their fight will be different.

Tyson Fury

“He looked amazing, respect to him and congratulations to him. He was doing his job properly, his speed was there and he was very sharp. On the other hand, I think there wasn’t a response in front of him. I think I will have a better response in front of him that will put him in uncomfortable situations and positions,” Ngannou said on The MMA Hour.

“Things will change and be different. I will not just stay there and look at him, it’s going to be different. I’m going to throw some bombs out there for him to deal with. I think he’s going to be mindful of what he’s doing. Nobody still knows what I can do, that was my first fight in boxing and like anyone else I am just improving. The gap of improvement for a beginner like me is huge.”

Joshua wants to challenge either Fury or Oleksandr Usyk for their undisputed heavyweight world titles if he beats Ngannou. The former UFC champion is hoping to rematch Fury if he beats ‘AJ’ insisted their second fight must take place by October, which seems unlikely given Fury is locked into a two-fight deal with Usyk.

 

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BOXING

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton questions how much Tyson Fury ‘has got left’ after brutal Deontay Wilder trilogy

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RICKY HATTON questioned how much Tyson Fury “has got left” after his brutal trilogy series with Deontay Wilder.

Fury made a heroic comeback in 2018 shedding TEN STONE after three years out the ring amid a battle with depression and substance abuse.

In the same year, he challenged Wilder for the WBC title and was deemed unfortunate to walk away with a draw despite being twice floored.

Fury, 35, did dethrone Wilder, 38, in the 2020 rematch before doubling his tally in their epic trilogy bout a year later.

But again, the Gypsy King had to twice get up from the canvas to pull out the stoppage victory.

So it leaves British boxing legend Hatton fearing the effects it could have on Fury heading into a potential super-fight with Anthony Joshua.

He told OLBG: “You don’t get a bigger fight. It’s one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. It’s a great clash of styles.

“Tyson’s always in entertaining fights, so is AJ, and it was only a couple of fights ago we thought his best days were behind him but in his last couple of fights he has looked really impressive.

“But Tyson on the other hand has been the best heavyweight for a good number of years and I still have him as number one, but we just need to know what Tyson has got left.

“Don’t forget it’s not just the three Wilder fights, it’s the lifestyle he’s had as well where he’s had to lose ten stone in the past and what it does to the body and then having them three wars with Deontay Wilder.

“It might be too many miles on the clock for Tyson or maybe he took him lightly because he didn’t look in the best shape.

“He’s not built like Anthony Johsua, but you can see that he has definitely been in better shape than last time out.

“But I hope we can get it on as it would be a tragedy for British boxing if the biggest fight in British history wasn’t made because they couldn’t make a deal.

“That’d be a crying shame for our sport. I edge towards Tyson but I’m not as confident as what I was.”

Fury was dropped by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in their October crossover clash but ended out a controversial points win.

It kept alive his historic four-belt undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, set for February 17 in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile Joshua, 34, will now fight Ngannou in March in Saudi after Wilder was beaten by Joseph Parker, 31, to blow their mega-fight.

There is hope that AJ and Fury could both finally commence their Battle of Britain bout should they both be victorious in the Middle East.

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“Act Like You Got Some Sense”: Bill Haney Blasts Teofimo Lopez For Calling Out Terence Crawford Rather Suggests Unification Bout At 140 Against Devin Haney

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Teofimo Lopez

Teofimo Lopez, the WBO 140-pound titleholder, is gearing up for his first defense against Jamaine Ortiz on February 8, 2024. After securing the belt in a triumphant battle against Josh Taylor, Lopez eyes a potential unification fight at 140, with Devin Haney and Subriel Matias as potential opponents. However, Lopez is not solely focused on his current weight class; he’s eyeing a move to welterweight. Terence Crawford, the first undisputed welterweight in the four-belt era, is on Lopez’s radar.

Following Crawford’s victory over Errol Spence Jr., Lopez expressed interest in a showdown at 147 pounds. Lopez questions Crawford’s notable wins against Kell Brook, Jose Benavidez Jr., and Spence, suggesting they were not at their best during those fights. Emphasizing his readiness, Lopez highlights the importance of facing opponents in their prime and injury-free. However, Bill Haney doesn’t believe Lopez deserve a fight against Crawford. Here’s what he has to say to Lopez.

Bill Haney brutally criticizes Teofimo Lopez

In a recent development, Bill Haney, father and trainer of Devin Haney, responded strongly to Teofimo Lopez’s aspirations for a match against Terence Crawford. Haney exclaimed, “Teofimo Lopez, if you don’t knock it off – talking about you want ‘Bud’ Crawford. I just seen you and your daddy, and I yelled – why didn’t we offer you 20 million dollars”. He emphasized the need for Lopez to consider lucrative opportunities and shift his attention away from Crawford.

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BOXING

“We Can Make More Money Than You Made With Spence”: Amid Ongoing Beef, Teofimo Lopez Gives Open Challenge To Terence Crawford

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Teofimo Lopez

Teofimo Lopez is set to make his comeback in the ring in February of this year against Jamaine Ortiz. However, the Super-lightweight champion is already looking past him and eyeing a fight with Devin Haney and Terence Crawford. While calling out the unified welterweight champion, Lopez was quite critical of him. Amongst other things, he questioned, ‘Bud’s,’ credibility arguing that many of his victories over notable fighters came because they were “handicapped”.

This caught the attention of the undefeated boxer who didn’t mince his words while responding. Amidst this back and forth, Lopez doubles down on a fight against Crawford citing financial incentives.

What is in it for Terence Crawford?

In a recent interview with Fight Hub. TV, Lopez acknowledged that Crawford is a formidable fighter. He also lauded the former undisputed champion for having the will to fight against other formidable opponents. He then went on to say that he is a competitive boxer himself and could give him a run for his money. Moreover, he stated that a potential fight with Crawford is likely to be more financially lucrative for the latter than his previous fight.

He stated, “But I am going to be honest G with you man, I know that you are a great fighter, I’m a great fighter, you like tough competition, and so do I man. I may not be black but I got it in me. So all I say, with that being said, it’s like whenever you are done with the contract, if you stay at 147, yea man, I think we can make more money than. you made with Spence.”

It appears that Lopez is really looking to move up in weight to face Crawford. It goes to show that, he wants to compete against the best and not back down from any challenge. However, there is one notable personality from the boxing world who is not impressed with Teofimo Lopez.

Bill Haney criticizes Teofimo Lopez for calling out ‘Bud’

Bill Haney, the father of WBC Super-lightweight champion Devin Haney, urged Lopez to refrain from calling out fighters like Crawford. Haney thinks Lopez doesn’t deserve the chance to face Crawford. Reflecting on the same, he stated, “You don’t want none of ‘Bud’ Crawford and you don’t deserve none knock it off. Talk like you got some sense.” 

Haney does not see this bout materializing anytime soon. However, what do you make of Lopez’s call-out? Share with us your opinions in the comments section below.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford Hints That Errol Spence Jr Rematch Is Off

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Terence Bud Crawford

Terence Crawford’s latest social media post could suggest that a contracted Errol Spence Jr rematch is now off the table.

The Omaha native beat longterm rival Spence in nine rounds back in July to become the undisputed welterweight champion, capping off a campaign in the division that saw victories over the likes of Jeff Horn, Amir Khan, Kell Brook and Shawn Porter.

His fight with Spence was long-awaited and, for many, the standout boxing event of 2023. Although billed as a 50/50 fight, Crawford won handily, dropping Spence on three occasions before forcing the stoppage.

Given the beating – one that Spence says earned Crawford the Fighter of the Year award – many fans and pundits felt that a rematch wasn’t necessary, but it had been written into the contract that the loser on the night had the right to enforce it.

Terence Crawford

Spence did just that months later, although there has yet to be a date or weight announced for the second showdown.

Following news that Spence has had surgery on his eye, fans already knew that they may be facing an even longer delay. Now, Crawford has posted on social media to say he’s ‘glad it’s over and done with.’

Given Crawford had already previously responded to Spence’s surgery, his latest post suggests that more has happened behind the scenes.

If the rematch is indeed off, he will likely look to move up in weight rather than stick around at 147. The fight that seems to have interested him most in recent times is a three-weight jump to face undisputed super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

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Bob Arum names the three fighters he thinks would beat Gervonta Davis

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Gervonta Davis
Bob Arum rates Gervonta Davis highly.

Bob Arum is a huge admirer of Gervonta Davis, but he believes he has three fighters on the Top Rank roster who would defeat the Baltimore man.

Davis’ profile increased massively last year when he recorded the biggest win of his career so far when he stopped Ryan Garcia in one of the biggest events of 2023.

Since that result, Davis’ name has been linked to a number of high-profile fights against the likes of Vasily Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez, and Shakur Stevenson.

All three are excellent fighters promoted by Arum and the veteran boxing figure has had his say on Davis and what the future might hold for him.

Gervonta Davis

“Tank Davis is an excellent fighter and a big attraction. So sure, we’d like to match [Stevenson, Lomachenko, and Lopez] against Tank Davis and see how well they would do,” said Arum when speaking to BoxingScene.

“I like our guys to win the fight. All three would beat Davis. I really believe that but that’s why they do the fights, right? Again, we’re open to any of that,” Arum said.

“I think [Davis] is the real deal. That’s why we’re talking about him. He’s a helluva performer. A terrific athlete, and a terrific boxer, but so are the other three.”

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Ngannou: Joshua Knows What To Expect, I’ll Need More To Get The Job Done

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Tyson Fury

MMA veteran Francis Ngannou will push for a future rematch with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury – and it doesn’t matter if Fury is successful in his upcoming assignment.

On February 17, Fury will collide with WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA world champion Oleksandr Usyk. The winner will become the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis.

Ngannou is also scheduled for action, when he takes on former two-time champion Anthony Joshua on March 8.

Tyson Fury

Both events will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Last October, Ngannou made his professional debut against Fury in a ten round contest.

In a shocker, Ngannou dropped Fury in the third round and made it a very competitive fight until the end. Fury came away with a close split decision win.

“I’m not looking for the winner of Tyson Fury (and Usyk),” Ngannou told TMZ. “I’m looking for Tyson. Tyson owes me a fight. I don’t give a sh!t about the winner of Usyk and Tyson. I’m coming after Tyson. Win or lose, I want Tyson.”

Ngannou realizes that Joshua will be very well prepared for his style.

“He’s seen me box already, so he knows a little bit what is coming after,” Ngannou said. “Unlike Tyson Fury, that was out of the blue, didn’t know what to expect. Joshua kind of knows what to expect. I think this time I need to put it up even more to get the job done.”

And Ngannou has no issues with the oddsmakers making him a tremendous underdog with Joshua.

“I’m going in against a former champion, against a guy that’s been in the game for so long, winning, and all this stuff,” Ngannou said. “I think he’s 30-something and I’m 0-1. Come on, man. How do you make me a favorite?”

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