Artur Betterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) not interested in fighting on Joe Smith’s field tomorrow night.
The hardcore Russian is in New York with his WBC title and IBF looking to claim the Long Islander’s WBO belt at the Hulu Theatre, Madison Square Garden.
With two heavyweights in the ring, no one expected the fight to go to the distance and yesterday last press conference There is mutual respect between the two as they look ahead to Saturday night.
“This is a very important fight for me,” said Beterbiev.
“In terms of location, it makes no difference to me. I’m more focused on the fight. I’m more focused on my opponent than on the location. I always ask my boxing and conditioning coaches how I’m doing. I asked them if it was less than I did two years ago. They told me I was doing better than two years ago.
“We are both ready for this fight. I think it will be a good fight. We will see. I cannot predict the future. I’m just a boxer.”
blacksmith (28-3, 22 KOs) is looking forward to his shoddy duty against one of the toughest and most feared men in boxing.
“This is a huge opportunity. Beterbiev is a big name in the boxing world. Everyone knows who he is at this point. He’s got two world titles, and I want those belts. I believe this fight will be great. You have two big boxers, and I’m excited to join him. He’s a great name.
“I am fighting in the Garden. The house is not too far from here. All my fans will be here to support me or else, watch at home. I’m happy to be here defending my WBO title and unifying the other two belts.”
It’s clear that if Smith wins, he doesn’t want to hear any possible excuses about Beterbiev’s 37 years later.
“I believe this guy is at his peak. I don’t think age has anything to do with it. I know he is here with 100 percent and ready to go. I know I’m here to fight one of the best. ”
Promoter Bob Arum, who will be celebrating his 91st anniversaryst his birthday in December, Beterbiev v Smith Jr said it would take him back to the semi-circle days of the light heavyweight division when Top Rated had as much to do with 175lbs.
“At my age, this fight takes me back so many decades when Top Rank promoted the top light heavyweights in the world like Bob Foster, Matthew Saad Muhammad, John Conteh, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Marvin Johnson. The light heavyweight division has given boxing followers the same amazing thrills as I promote the matches. Now we have this fight, which will go down in the annals like all the great light and heavyweight fights of the past and maybe even the greatest. “
Arum continued to discuss Saturday’s fight and believes it could go down as one of the best we’ve seen this year.
“Joe Smith is an excellent fighter. He has a big heart. He has a lot of skills and a lot of power. And what can I say about Artur Betterbiev? He truly is the epitome of the ferocity that light heavyweights were once known for. Terrible puncher. Big heart. A guy who doesn’t give up. Nothing could be better than this. I predict that this fight will be considered the Battle of the Year for 2022.”
