Artur Beterbiev is keen on a unification fight after defeating Joe Smith Jr. in New York on Saturday night.
The 37-year-old Russian became the IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight champion after defeating his American rival with what was his 18th-straight knockout in professional boxing, maintaining a 100% record for stopping his opponents.
Speaking after his win, he praised Smith and explained why he got the win.
“Joe’s a little bit open and more easy for me to get him,” Beterbiev said in the ring.
“Two fighters both have good punch and both tried to get [there] first. This time I’m lucky – I get there first.”
Beterbiev is expected by many to pursue a clash with Dmitry Bivol next, a fellow undefeated Russian light heavyweight champion.
“Unification fights are more interesting, more motivating,” Beterbiev said. “I prefer unification fight. I want to be undisputed.”
Beterbiev has also been linked with fights against WBO mandatory champion Anthony Yarde and another light heavyweight fighter, Gilberto Ramirez.