Beterbiev might get sparked by Smith Jr

[Southpawology]

i thought beterbiev and bivol were next??

[Chollo Vista]

Callum Johnson. And I said he has a punchers chance didn't I? Talent wise Beterbiev is on a whole different level.

Beterbiev has a good amateur background, sure.

I'm just not convinced he's on a whole other level.

His competition is sub par and he's been dropped twice.

Joe Smith Jr has actually faced the better opposition

[Shane1091]

Not sure about that. Getting dropped by Callum Smith and Jeff Paige Jr in only 13 fights tells me he might have punch resistance issues.

Jeff page balance issue Callun Johnson hits like a mule but I do get the feeling with age his chin isn't as strong as it's made out to be.

[Chollo Vista]

Jeff page balance issue Callun Johnson hits like a mule but I do get the feeling with age his chin isn't as strong as it's made out to be.

Not sure that Paige Jr knockdown had anything to do with balance

https://*************/watch?v=h04VfH-zKVc

It landed perfectly on the chin and Artur's legs gave out

[Madison Boxing]

absolutely no chance. id bet on callum johnson beating joe smith too

[New England]

of course he has a shot. it's lhw and joe smith can straight up ****.

i expect the better boxer with equal or better power, beterbiev, to win. but this is a fun fight.

[4truth]

scary fight if you are a Beterbiev fan, like me. Smith may not be on the same level overall but his power is top notch and Beterbiev's chin is not granite or impossible to find.

[Chollo Vista]

Beterbiev pulled out of the fight

http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/i...farmer-defense

In the end, he didn't feel like he could be prepared for another fight, especially against a formidable puncher such as Smith, with such a short turnaround, according to co-promoter Yvon Michel.

"The week after the Johnson fight, we were told by Beterbiev's management that he would be ready to fight Joe Smith Jr. after mid-December," Michel, who co-promotes Beterbiev with Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn, told ESPN on Thursday. "When we confirmed Dec. 15th last week, Artur realized, after being back to the gymnasium, the short delay between the two fights was a concern of not having the optimized conditions to perform at his best. Even if the Johnson fight was short, it was intense, and Artur was floored in the second round. Smith Jr. is also a good puncher and a strong fighter you can't take lightly.

"Taking everything into consideration, his health and his intention to be champion for long time, he took the decision not to get in the ring Dec. 15. We were very comfortable with his decision. We are looking for a February date for his next title defense."