Callum Smith’s Elder Brother Couldn’t Understand How Artur Beterbiev Is ‘Getting Better at 39’

At an age when most boxers quit, Artur Beterbiev is just hitting his prime. The Russian-Canadian boxer continues to dismantle younger opponents in the square ring and is clearing out the light heavyweight division. His recent beatdown of Callum Smith on January 13 in Quebec City exhibited ominous signs for other boxers. Perplexed by such a ruthless outing, Paul Smith tries to make sense of the champion’s “bigger” frame, longevity, and fitness.

Artur Beterbiev, 38, shows no signs of slowing down. Conversely, his power has grown in recent years. His training videos continue to draw awe and bewilderment. It was no surprise when he knocked out the British boxer in the seventh round. However, Paul Smith, at 41, couldn’t help but draw parallels with himself.

Paul Smith baffled at Artur Beterbiev’s peak fitness

In a conversation with TalkSport, the pro boxer-turned-trainer admitted Beterbiev was getting better at 39. Further, he admitted there had been days when he found it hard to get out of bed. Meanwhile, the Dagestan-born boxer is racking up knockout wins in the ring.

“He is getting better at 39, he is getting stronger at 39,” Smith said while analyzing Beterbiev’s win. “He is looking bigger and tougher than me at 39. I’m 41, I’m a couple of years older, I have been retired [for] 6 years. I still can’t get out of bed some mornings.”

Notably, Beterbiev’s win against Callum Smith wasn’t without controversy. Eddie Hearn tried to blow up the light heavyweight champion’s atypical test results. However, the British promoter wasn’t the only one raising these concerns. Liam Smith also blasted the champion for such test results.

The position is unclear as of now, but atypical results require more research, as they don’t necessarily translate into a failed result. Meanwhile, Beterbiev is focused on his next challenge, a quest for an undisputed title at 175 pounds.

What’s next for Beterbiev?

An undisputed title fight between Dmitry Bivol and Beterbiev has been long muted. Markedly, Bivol recently declared that he had signed the contract, and all Beterbiev needed to do was emerge victorious against Smith to put their bout in motion.

Beterbiev, at 20-0, held his side of the bargain and is now keen to add the only missing title to his resume. “I need another belt. It would mean a lot to me,” he declared after the win. The exact details of the fight are yet to be chalked out, but all signs indicate an exciting showdown this year.

Read More: “Killer Made in Russian Lab”: Sledgehammer Routine, Impeccable Wrist Workout, and Much More in Artur Beterbiev’s Training Sessions Leave Boxing World Dumb-Struck

What do you make of these comments by Paul Smith? Do you believe Artur Beterbiev is aging like a fine wine? Let us know in the comments below.

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