WBC and IBF light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is ready to make his return to boxing and will be facing WBO champion, Joe Smith Jr., in a title unification bout. The match will take place on June 18 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Beterbiev has proven that he is currently one of the best light-heavyweights in the world. He also has an unbeaten record of 17-0 with all victories coming via knockout, making him a boxer with a 100% finish rate. However, there was an incident when his unbeaten record was in jeopardy.

Beterbiev suffers a nasty cut

Back in December 2021, the Russian boxer was pitted against fellow contender Marcus Browne, Beterbiev was the favorite coming into the fight but got off to a slow start, things did not get better for the Russian as he suffered a huge cut on his forehead because of an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round.

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Moreover, the fight almost came to an end in the fifth round after the referee stated Beterbiev may only get a single round due to the severity of the cut, however, Beterbiev showed the world why he is one of the best in his division, taking over the fight and knocking out Browne in the 9th round, adding to his undefeated record and KO streak as well.

Watch This Story: Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr Stats: Record, Height, Reach, and More

Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr.

The Russian now has his sights set on his next challenge in WBO light-heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. He will be looking to add another win to his record. This match will be a great test for Beterbiev to cement his legacy as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.

However, Smith will not be an easy challenge as he has more experience competing in 31 pro fights with a record of 28-3. He is also the more technical fighter of the two.

But, Beterbiev will be the favorite to win the fight due to his knockout power and the ability to end the fight with a single punch. Furthermore, if he beats Smith, he will be looking to take on WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to unify all four belts.

Artur Beterbiev Misses Weight in the First Attempt, Hits the Scales Later at 175-Pounds

Do you think Beterbiev can add to his knockout streak? Let us know in the comments.