Beterbiev vs Smith Jr June 18th ESPN

[borntoloseNOT]

Only thing really interesting in this one is whether Smith can back up Beterbiev. Not sure I've seen him fight on the defensive before, a lot of these eurasian fighters have a hard time when someone can stop their momentum. Not sure Smith is that guy for Beterbiev.

Probably can. Johnson had Beter fighting out of the corner and against the ropes in their fight. Hell, Artur stopped him while backed into the corner. And that was after a knockdown. He seemed pretty cool under the pressure being put on him tbh.

 

[borntoloseNOT]

Smith by KO.

I keep returning to this potential fight, turning it over in my head tonight... logic says Beter, but heart/gut says upset. Lately heart/gut has been right, logic been getting smacked around the place.

 

[CatchnShoot]

Beterbiev is 37 years old.

Just putting that out there.

True, but he’s taken very little damage over his entire career. Still, a winnable fight for Joe

 

[randomg1t]

Only thing really interesting in this one is whether Smith can back up Beterbiev. Not sure I've seen him fight on the defensive before, a lot of these eurasian fighters have a hard time when someone can stop their momentum. Not sure Smith is that guy for Beterbiev.

gvozdyk had success for a while when he mixed it up and put some pressure on artur. trying to put beterbiev on the back foot seems like a risky strategy though, you need to get in range and stay there, and taking any shots from that man will take it's toll. but he did look a lot less dangerous the few times he's been backed up. granted, everyone who's managed to put him on the back foot has ended up KO'd, just like everyone who hasn't.

i think the fact that he's old is what makes these beterbiev fights interesting now. a few years ago, i'd have bet the house on him vs anyone at 175, including the ginger. now... i'm not so sure anymore.

 

[cottagecheesefan]

I think Beterbeast beats him up. He is going to keep Smith backing up, which Smith won't like, and break him down.

 

[Badr Hari]

Only thing really interesting in this one is whether Smith can back up Beterbiev. Not sure I've seen him fight on the defensive before, a lot of these eurasian fighters have a hard time when someone can stop their momentum. Not sure Smith is that guy for Beterbiev.

Smith just not. Not even for a minute. Biev presses constantly here and backs him up to the ropes with Smith trying to jab and box and circle until he gets caught and put down.

 

[Seano]

Smith just not. Not even for a minute. Biev presses constantly here and backs him up to the ropes with Smith trying to jab and box and circle until he gets caught and put down.

I'd give him a slightly above average punchers chance to win. Beterbiev isn't slick by any means and Smith has fight ending power.

 

[goldennirvana]

Callum Smith vs Beterbiev. Now that's the fight that needs to happen. I think Smith gets the KO.

 

[Badr Hari]

I'd give him a slightly above average punchers chance to win. Beterbiev isn't slick by any means and Smith has fight ending power.

Would like to see the odds, I like Smith, he has put a really nice streak of wins and he didn't look bad at all versus Bivol, he is the legit 3rd best LHW in the world. I just don't see him troubling Biev with his style tbh. Biev will turn him into a defensive boxer from round 1 and will walk him down and punish him since Smith isn't slick himself at all. When (IF) he decides to exchange with Biev he gets caught from the bigger and more accurate puncher and goes down.

 

[MMALOPEZ]

 

[WklySportsMemes]

Surprised with how much of a live dog people are making Smith.

 

[borntoloseNOT]

Thankful for the REAL fights when they get made. Hope this one isn't cancelled like Smith vs Johnson was.

This ain't going to no cards, and Smith is a real live dog, though no favorite. But damn, age and just styles, either one of em can land and it's over, I think my gut is saying upset.

 

[Dr. Stoppage]

True, but he’s taken very little damage over his entire career. Still, a winnable fight for Joe

37 isn't that old for a 175er. For boxers below 147 that is usually ancient but for elite fighters at the higher weights its not necessarily too old.

Especially when Beterbiev has finished every professional opponent within the distance. He has made 6 consecutive world title defensive of the 175 IBF world title. Its just hard for me to feel age is definitively in the calculus for a fight against Smith.

Look at GGG, he's turning 40 in a couple of weeks and is still putting fighters away. He's at such a higher level than most at 160 that being 40 isn't making a difference.

 

[pakimahi]

Unless he ages over night, which he might at 37..the 100% ko streak keeps going

 

[MMALOPEZ]

 

[Nova44]

Going with Biev but there's always a chance Smith cracks that chin.

I don't remember signing a contract to fight Ramirez, but i'll take what i can get. Seriously though, Nova looked great last fight if i remember correctly so it'll be nice having him on the card too.

 

[SandisLL]

GGG is very special.
Even 36 is old for a boxer not in HW....Sorry.

Biev's body shots will be real problem there. With these he IRL had exausted enough in prime shape Gvozdyk...before was able to use other stuff here vs him.
Bet is old and after injuries, while he is durable and hits very hard, like small CW boxer...

 

[PUO3]

Spending my bday watching fights. Fuck ya.

 

[Flboycanscrap2]

What are the odd that Smith can Homer Simpson Beterbiev?

 

[SandisLL]

I don't know f.e shape Bet now does have.
If he had shape like from fight vs Gvozdyk....then...
Now? Dunno.