Fans of the Light Heavyweight division will have to pray for the patience of a saint. The only noise that banged off the walls of the 175-pound division was that of the punishing body shots and hooks that Artur Beterbiev used to demolish Anthony Yarde, the mandatory challenger, on January 28. However, the victory followed instructions to defend his titles again against another Englishman, Callum Smith. But now, as it appears, their clash faces a postponement as Beterbiev tackles a challenge of a different kind.

After losing out to Canelo Alvarez three years ago, Liverpudlian Callum Smith moved to the Light Heavyweight division. He won the next two bouts against Lenin Castillo and Mathieu Bauderlique with impressive knockouts. That was enough for the WBC to consider him the mandatory challenger to Artur Beterbiev. The reigning WBC, WBO, and IBF champion is yet to face a defeat in nineteen outings. He asserted his position as a top draw early this year. His devastating onslaught convinced Yarde’s corner that he had had enough.

Artur Beterbiev versus Callum Smith pushed to a later date

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger said early today that the August 19 fight at the Videotron Centre in Quebec, Canada, will not occur as scheduled. Reportedly, Artur Beterbiev is dealing with an infection that has afflicted a bone in his jaw. A dental procedure seems to be the cause of the infection. A precise timeline for his recovery remains unclear.

Had it gone ahead, the fight would have been the second in this decade to be held in his hometown, Quebec. The last one occurred on December 17, 2021, against American Marcus Browne.

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According to credible sources, a rescheduled fight could occur either during the latter part of this year or early next year. Nevertheless, many fans wish to see a clash between Beterbiev, the only world champion who won all his bouts through knockouts, and Dmitry Bivol, the WBA Light Heavyweight champion. But as it stands, talks for the match caved in at the negotiation table.

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Do you believe that Beterbiev should be taking on Bivol after the mandatory challenge from Smith gets over? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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