Joe Smith Jr has a unique insight into the light-heavyweight undisputed clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol having shared the ring with both men.
The two had been scheduled to face each other on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, but Beterbiev picked up a knee in injury in training camp causing the fight to be postponed.
Bivol successfully defended his WBA title against Smith in 2019, outclassing his man to take a wide decision on the scorecards.
As with every other one of Beterbiev’s professional fights the judges weren’t required when he faced Smith in 2022, knocking the American down for the first time in his career in the opening round then twice more in the second before the referee stepped in to save Smith for another day.
Speaking to YSM Sports Media about his fight against Beterbiev, Smith felt it wasn’t his night and would like another shot at the 39 year old.
“Honestly I thought I was stronger in there and stronger than him, it just wasn’t my night. I got caught behind the ear with a shot that I couldn’t recover from. I had a lot going on leading up to the fight but no excuses he was the better man on the night. Who knows, maybe in the future I’ll get another shot at him.”
On the clash between the two best at 175lbs, Smith says it’s a hard fight to call but is leaning towards the ‘all round’ fighter in Bivol.
“Im my opinion I felt that Bivol was the tougher fight for me, he’s an all round fighter but both fighters are very skilled.
Beterbiev is very accurate with his punches, he hits you where he wants to. I would be looking forward to seeing the two of them fight. Beterbiev has got that punch and accuracy but Bivol is an all round fighter.”
