Comments Thread For: One, or Two, Away at Light Heavyweight

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Cliff Rold - History's champion at light heavyweight, at least traced back to the winner of Jean Pascal-Chad Dawson, is already resolved. 37-year old Russian Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KO) captured lineal honors, unifying his IBF belt with the WBC's with his 2019 knockout of Oleksandr Govozdyk. On Saturday (ESPN, 10 PM EST), Beterbiev will attempt to add another belt to his collection when he faces 32-year old WBO titlist Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KO).
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[Ropeydope]

I really think it will take a better boxer to beat Beterbiev, not a puncher like Joe Smith. Gvozdyk had more of a chance IMO. Bivol definitely will have a good chance. Beterbiev has power and top shelf boxing acumen. He’s a brave warrior but I think Smith’s corner or the ref will have to save him from himself in mid late rounds. TKO- Beterbiev

[Bonham77]

I think Smith is going to upset Beterbiev. Everyone wants to see Bivol vs Beterbiev. Everyone thinks that because Smith lost to Bivol, that he'll lose to Beterbiev too. Styles make fights. I think Beterbiev is made to order for Smith. Smith can do more than just slug. He's no dummy. I think he'll set Beterbiev up with a big shot. Smith 5-6-7th TKO.

[bori84]

I really think it will take a better boxer to beat Beterbiev, not a puncher like Joe Smith. Gvozdyk had more of a chance IMO. Bivol definitely will have a good chance. Beterbiev has power and top shelf boxing acumen. He’s a brave warrior but I think Smith’s corner or the ref will have to save him from himself in mid late rounds. TKO- Beterbiev

Well said. I like Joe Smith and respect his power and boxing but it's just not at the level needed to beat someone like Beterbiev IMO. As you mentioned, Gvozdyk probably had a better chance than Smith but we shall see this Saturday - I'm excited to see the fight while it lasts! Bivol's boxing and strong chin can definitely be a problem for Beterbiev.

[suzuky23]

Smith Jr has all the tools to beat the russian , just has to put the plan in motion

[tkoboxingscene]

Beterbiev has never looked as bad as Smith looked against Vlasov. Beterbiev is a way better boxer than Smith, Smith won't be able to to set him up. 8-10 rounds Beterbiev by KO

[Robertthebruce]

I badly want Beterbiev to win as he is so good but I fear for him against Joe Smith as I remember how he smashed Alvarez and he could do the same here unless Beterbiev is at the absolute top of his game. This is a great fight at LHW for us fans

[AmpMcv]

"Someone like former super middleweight titlist Gilberto Ramirez could have a similar chance against Bivol before the finish line is reached."

Bwahaha, please. That's quite a stretch of the imagination, young man.

[AmpMcv]

Smith Jr has all the tools to beat the russian , just has to put the plan in motion

No he doesn't.

[57Blues]

There is no way I could watch the fights without having a fighter I am pulling for, and a lot of times the fact that the other guy may have boxing or punching skills my fighter the one I am pulling for may lack. Still I am pulling for my fighter..... And then when everyone who writes has to be right they talk up the "favorite" or favored guy.(talking boxing writers) They are motivated with having to be right proving they know more then the next guy. That is there business not mine although I would get bored with boxing if I looked at it that way. Damn near everyone is calling this a good match up most are excited to see it take place reguardless of the outcome, yea it is nice when the dog wins makes you fell good but I won't buy the dog, if he dont have the fight in him. Both these guys have the fight in them and even if my fighter comes up short I will get a kick out of it on fight night. But I would rather see the man win it and move on to do it one more time.