Beterbiev Blows Smith Absent – Results & Featured Videos

Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) is just one title away from becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion after a two-round destruction against Joe Smith Jr (28-4, 22 KOs).

Regarded as two powerful punchers in a match that never ended 12 both men were down in the first round as Smith walked on the front foot. The Long Island native, who was fighting in New York, had fan support as patriotic chants of “America” ​​rang out around the Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden. The aggressive tactic was a bold move for the WBO champion, but it took its toll on the Russian-Canadian boxer, who hit the right hand early on to remind everyone that this is big business. how rush.

Smith focused on the stab and hunted Beterbiev around the ring. The WBC and IBF champion had to be nimble on his toes and showed he’s more than just a tough puncher by keeping Smith in a nimble and agile position.

For the last ten seconds, Smith was frustrated. A right-handed throw to the top of the head with a speed the Americans are not used to since losing to WBA belt holder Dmitry Bivol. Smith had fallen but in a split second his knee bounced him back. How quickly, suddenly and unsettlingly Beterbiev got to him.

The second half began with a Beterbiev uppercut, a late game decisive strike. Smith was in deep water without any assistance when a shark moving in the scent of blood was ready to drag his man into depths he could not recover from. Another right hand put Smith down 50 seconds in the second session. That’s when not if. An upper punch followed by a double punch from either side almost sent the home favorites over the rope.