Paul Smith was a concerned spectator earlier this year when watching his brother, Callum, try to defeat Artur Beterbiev.
The pair kicked off the big fight schedule for 2024 and it was Beterbiev who emerged victorious after he became the first person to stop the Liverpool man.
Smith had been fancied by many within the boxing trade to cause a huge upset following a successful spell at super-middleweight that saw him reign as world champion before losing to Canelo Alvarez.
Rebuilding impressively at 175lbs, Smith was expected to push Beterbiev, but he had no answer for the unified champion’s pressure and power with the fight eventually being stopped in round seven.
This weekend, Beterbiev is looking to become undisputed ruler at light-heavyweight when he goes up against Dmitry Bivol, live on DAZN , from Saudi Arabia.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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Smith, a former world title challenger and British champion, is fully aware of what the highest level in boxing looks like after sharing the ring with Andre Ward, and after witnessing Beterbeiv up close, he’s predicting him to come out on top on October 12.
“I can’t see past Beterbiev,” said Smith when speaking to Boxing News .
“Bivol’s quality. He’s really, really good. Having seen Beterbiev up close a couple of times, I side with Beterbiev.
“I think he’ll eventually get to him, but it’s not a foregone conclusion by any stretch.”
Watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and huge undercard on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol and the full fight card on October 12 on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clark, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers. To purchase and find the prices in your region click here.
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