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.
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 due to an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round.
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.
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.