Artur Beterbiev faces Callum Smith in the New Year after previously being forced out of a clash with the Briton scheduled for this month.
The WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight king has a date to defend his crown. After recent dental surgery forced Beterbiev to postpone his August 19 title defense against the former unified world super middleweight champion, the two will meet on Saturday, January 13.
Beterbiev vs Smith occurs at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.
Co-promoters of Beterbiev assure fans that the Russian juggernaut is back to full fitness and will aim for another KO. Beterbiev remains the only world champion on the planet with a one hundred percent knockout ratio.
“It’s a few months later than originally planned. But I am thrilled that Artur Beterbiev will have a chance to defend his titles in front of the incredible Quebec City fans,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
“Artur has a clean bill of health. I know Callum, a supremely talented former champion, will be at his best on January 13.”
Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith rescheduled
“I’m very pleased that the camps agreed quickly so we can go ahead with this light heavyweight championship super fight,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan.
“It’s going to heat up this January in Quebec City.”
Beterbiev [19-0, 19 KOs[, has made seven title defenses since capturing the IBF strap in November 2017. He is coming off January’s stirring eighth-round TKO over Anthony Yarde in Yarde’s hometown of London.
Smith [29-1, 21 KOs], from Liverpool, England, is the former Ring Magazine and WBA super middleweight world champion.
He has won two fights since moving up to light heavyweight following a decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez in December 2020.
The ticket holders can either keep the purchased tickets and retain the previously selected seats or get a refund. In addition, the refund option will be available via the Ticketmaster account of the person who purchased the tickets.
In the case of a ticket transfer, the original purchaser will have to proceed with the refund request. Any refund requests made after this deadline will be denied.
For any questions, contact the ticket office at Centre Vidéotron at 1-877-658-9866 or maria@eottm.com.
Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ca.
Sky Sports in the UK has already confirmed plans to broadcast the clash in the early hours on January 14.
