Beterbiev vs Smith Boxing Odds: One Punch is All It Takes
Beterbiev Fights Smith in Potentially High-Powered Brawl
Beterbiev Favored To Defend Unified Belts Against Smith
It’s not the Dmitri Bivol fight. But Artur Beterbiev will only make that undisputed fight more enticing if he can whoop Callum Smith to defend his three belts. The Beterbiev vs Smith boxing odds see the champion favored at -485, which is the longest he’s been since he fought Oleksandr Gvozdyk back in 2019. Smith is 2-0 since moving up to this division. But as the odds indicate, he’s outmatched here.
🥊 Beterbiev vs Callum Smith 🥊
Records: Artur Beterbiev (C) (19-0-0, 19 KOs) vs Callum Smith (29-1-0, 21 KOs)
Day/Time:
Location: Videotron Centre, Quebec City, QC
Title: WBC, IBF, WBO Light Heavyweight Titles (175 lbs.)
Is Time Running Out On Beterbiev?
In just a few weeks, Artur Beterbiev will be one year shy of being 40. One can only wonder when “Father Time” will catch up. At 19-0 with three of the four world titles by his side, the undisputed fight with Bivol continues to loom for the Russian fighting out of Canada.
And this fight may happen soon on the boxing schedule . But Beterbiev will need to dispatch Smith, who is no easy challenger despite the Beterbiev vs Smith boxing odds. Smith did give Saul “Canelo” Alvarez a good fight in a lower weight class. And moving up to 175 pounds, this may be a more natural fight for the Briton. However, that’s not what a rival sees.
“I’m giving to Beterbiev more credit in this fight,” Dmitri Bivol told iFL TV in an interview. “He has more experience and he’s tough. He’s tougher and stronger than Canelo. And we saw the fight [between] Canelo and Smith. [Smith] let Canelo come closer easily. And for Beterbiev, it’s just a present.”
Indeed, Smith will be in danger if he cannot keep Beterbiev at bay. The champion has a 100% knockout-to-win ratio. He’s also not a power puncher but instead, dismantles his opponents with well-placed strikes. Even if Beterbiev can take time to get a bead on his opponent. One solid punch can cash his boxing bet .
While Smith has never been knocked out, he’s not fought a puncher like Beterbiev. Most of the champion’s opponents had never been finished nor defeated before facing him. And even at Beterbiev’s advanced age, his power should stay intact.
Smith Could Turn the Tables
Smith has no illusions about his status heading to this title fight, his second in as many divisions. The Beterbiev vs Smith boxing odds have him as a +360 underdog, which is just a bit shorter than what he was against Canelo (+400). But stylistically, this may be a better fight for Smith even if Bivol says otherwise.
“I just think I catch him before he catches me and I can get rid of him,” Smith said in an interview with Sky Sports. “I genuinely do believe I’ve got the style to beat him. It’s no easy feat, and I know I’m the underdog going in.”
While Beterbiev is bigger and more powerful than Canelo, he is also slower. This is where Smith finds an advantage. The 33-year-old could just beat Beterbiev to the punch and outmaneuver him. But he’ll also have to back his words and finish the champion. Taking Beterbiev to a decision may not be in the cards.
While the totals, set at 8.5 rounds, are likely to go ‘over’ (-125), a finish is also expected (-350). Fighting in Beterbiev’s hometown, Smith will have to take the fight to the champion. It’s about managing aggression well enough while avoiding that potential fight-ending punch from Beterbiev.
Smith knocked out his two opponents since moving up to light heavyweight. And 21 of his 29 wins have come via a KO. If you know how to read boxing odds , Smith may not be such a bad underdog bet. He came up short against Canelo. But he could make the most of his second chance.
For boxing betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
