If you asked Eddie Hearn and most who resided in the UK, they believed that Callum Smith was the right man for the job. Sure Artur Beterbiev is a dangerous and scary fighter with the type of power that can have you waking up in the emergency room, but Smith’s supporters wouldn’t let up.

Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) wasn’t offended by Smith’s fans. He simply didn’t care. He knew once the bell rang, Smith’s fanbase could do nothing but sit on the sidelines while the beating ensued. This Saturday night, that’s exactly what happened.

Smith’s backers were loud in the opening frame, but as his face grew more and more disfigured, they simmered down. With blood pouring from his nose and the swelling around his eyes getting to the point where he could barely see, Buddy McGirt, Smith’s trainer, waved things off following two knockdowns in the seventh round.

Those who believed in Smith were shellshocked. He wasn’t an undefeated fighter but at no point did he ever appear hurt or even stunned in previous outings. Tim Bradley, who was calling the action from ringside, watched stoically as Beterbiev had his way. It isn’t that Smith is a bad fighter but from Bradley’s point of view, he was nowhere near the level of Beterbiev.

“I thought Smith would have success early on but I knew it was all downhill after four, five, six,” Bradley told Fight News during a recent interview. “Beterbiev is a slow starter, he likes to warm up into the action. He slowly breaks you down and every blow that he throws is heavy, heavy shots. I knew Smith wouldn’t be able to deal with that.”

When one challenger falls, another one rises. So, with Smith officially out of the picture, all of the attention will be placed on Dmitry Bivol. The two have danced around each other long enough and are hoping that an undisputed showdown will take place later this year.

Bradley has a soft spot for Bivol, always has. Beterbiev may have looked damn there unbeatable but Bradley isn’t ready to jump on the bandwagon. In his eyes, Bivol can still win, he just has to be flawless on the night.

“That’s the fight that everybody wants to see. I’ve always favored Bivol but Bivol has to fight the perfect fight in order to beat Bivol.”

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.

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.

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.