Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Results as champion drops and stops Briton in round seven

Artur Beterbiev retained the unified light-heavyweight titles with a brutal finish of Callum Smith on Saturday night, setting up a tantalising clash with Dmity Bivol.

Smith had his moments and took on his corner’s advice to target the body of Beterbiev, but the champion remained unfazed, built momentum across six rounds, and turned up the pressure in round seven.

In that frame, the Russian overwhelmed Smith against the ropes, producing an onslaught that saw him hurt the Briton with numerous right hands. Eventually Smith lolloped to the canvas after a left, and though he was able to beat the referee’s count, he was soon put down again as Beterbiev maintained his barrage.

Once more, Smith rose to his feet, but the Liverpudlian’s trainer Buddy McGirt entered the ring to call an end to the contest, sparing his fighter further punishment. Beterbiev, 38, sunk to his knees in emotion, as he celebrated retaining the WBC, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles. The result also improved the veteran’s record to 20-0 with 20 knockouts, and it sets up an intriguing bout with WBA champion Bivol.

Re-live updates from Beterbiev vs Smith and the undercard fights, below.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE

• Artur Beterbiev stopped Callum Smith in round seven to retain unified light-heavyweight titles

• Russian dropped Smith twice before Liverpudlian’s coach called off the contest

• Beterbiev remains unbeaten with 20 KOs from 20 fights, sets up intriguing clash with Dmitry Bivol

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Briton reacts to brutal loss

05:50 , Alex Pattle

Callum Smith: “I’m gonna spend some time with my family and see what the future holds. I don’t know, I’ve had a good career, been a world champion, been top of the mountain. I’ve given a lot to boxing over the years.

“I need to sit down and assess what goals I still want to achieve. I wanted to be a two-division world champion, but I’ve come up short tonight. It’s hard to accept that I’m not the best in the world.

“I’ll have to sit and assess what the future holds.”

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

05:33 , Alex Pattle

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

05:20 , Alex Pattle

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

05:12 , Alex Pattle

Ramadan ends on 9 April, meaning mid-July is the earliest date at which Beterbiev vs Bivol can take place, according to Arum.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

05:04 , Alex Pattle

Beterbiev is now 20-0 with 20 knockouts.

He says: “My coach, our team is working hard with me.” He also jokes that tonight was down to “luck”.

“We have a couple strategies, you need to be prepared for several strategies. [Smith] gave me a good fight, he stayed strong. Thank you to him. But today, luck is on my side.”

Smith is given a round of applause as he makes his way out of the ring.

Beterbiev is asked about a fight with WBA champion and fellow Russian Dmitry Bivol – a bout that is reportedly signed already.

“Yes, of course [I want Bivol next]. I need another, fourth belt,” Beterbiev says.

Promoter Bob Arum insists that the fight is not fully signed, suggesting that it will have to take place three months after Ramadan ends.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

04:58 , Alex Pattle

Smith looks devastated in his corner.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

04:55 , Alex Pattle

Beterbiev is 39 next week but looks as fearsome as ever. Wow.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:54 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Smith does well to corner Beterbiev, but he’s tagged hard by a few right hands, and he’s wobbling all over the place... Beterbiev mixing in left hands at a furious pace...

And Smith falls down against the ropes, his arms lolloping either side of him!!

Smith beats the referee’s count, but he’s crumpling against the ropes again as Beterbiev goes for the finish! Down goes Smith for the second time!!

Smith beats the referee’s count, but the Liverpudlian’s trainer Buddy McGirt has entered the ring to wave it off! It’s all over!

Beterbiev collqpses to his knees in emotion! AND STILL!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:50 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

Worrying signs for Smith early in round six? Beterbiev comes forward and pours on more pressure.

Smith does well to fire back with a hard left hook to the head, before aiming at the body. Nice jab now, jolting back the champion’s head.

Now Smith digs a left hook to the body, but he’s caught with a counter hook upstairs. OH! Good left hook to the head by Smith, though.

Beterbiev slings an uppercut underneath Smith’s guard. Now he lands a stiff left as the pair clinch.

Smith did well to turn that into a pretty good round, in all honesty.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:46 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Smith backs up after a clean jab from Beterbiev. Now the Briton comes forward, varying his offence as he does so.

Nice double-jab from Smith. He tries for a heavy right hook, but Beterbiev’s guard holds up. This time the right hook gets through for Smith, but he’s stung by jabs either side of that shot.

Smith is sporting a bit of blood now. It’s hard to see where the cut is – possibly around his right eye.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:42 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Buddy McGirt tells Smith not to “head hunt” so much.

Nice left hook from Smith, but he’s under a lot of pressure from Beterbiev now. Each man opts for a double left hook, going from the body to the head.

Beterbiev is landing with increasing frequency now... Smith is covering up against the ropes, looking flustered and tired already... Is he in trouble?

Smith manages the odd counter shot, but Beterbiev is unfazed. Hard, short right cross from Beterbiev. Smith gets into space and fires back with a hook and a clean uppercut.

Smith wings a right hook to the body, then two left hooks to the head. Better work from him. Now a couple of straight shots by the Liverpudlian. Impressive resilience from the challenger after a tricky spoell earlier in the round...

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:37 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

“Don’t let him box,” is the message from Beterbiev’s corner.

Smith presses forward and sees a cross blocked. Stinging jab from Beterbiev. Smith targets the body with a right hook.

Decent counter left hook by Smith now, as Beterbiev applies some more pressure. Smith with a left hook to the body then one to the head. He’s warned to make sure he doesn’t go too low with his body shots.

Another stiff jab by Beterbiev, who then backs up Smith and tries for a couple of hooks. Good head movement from Smith, though.

Beterbiev hammers a couple of short right hooks at Smith from close range.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:33 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Both fighters utilise their jabs well early in round two. Smith takes the centre of the ring but doesn’t build upon the position with much output.

Hard right cross to the body by Beterbiev. Smith with an uppercut to the body in retaliation. A right hook misses for Beterbiev, and Smith comes back with a decent combination.

Accurate jabs for Beterbiev late in the round, before each man lands a solid hook. Eddie Hearn is pleased with what he’s seeing from ringside.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:29 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Beterbiev gets after Smith immediately, shoving the Liverpudlian then swarming him against the ropes. Smith absorbs a decent hook in that flurry, but he’s able to stay composed and eventually get away.

Now it’s the Liverpudlian’s turn to throw. He gets behind the jab and then adds a couple of crosses.

Smith is briefly backed up but manages to jab his way back to the centre of the ring. A right straight slides past Beterbiev’s guard.

Now Smith targets the body. This is an encouraging spell from him. Lots of straight shots from the Briton at the moment.

Beterbiev comes forward now, with two hooks to the body – one off each wing. He repeats the attack, before Smith lands a grazing counter hook to the head.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

04:26 , Alex Pattle

Okay, people... Here we go! Twelve rounds scheduled, unified light-heavyweight titles on the line!

First bell sounds!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main-event ring walks

04:19 , Alex Pattle

Smith makes his way to the ring first! Some boos for the Briton, who wastes no time in getting through the arena.

A much more positive reaction as Beterbiev, who fights out of Canada, makes his walk now. He also wastes little time in getting to the ring.

The main event is just minutes away...

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main-event incoming

04:10 , Alex Pattle

Smith will have a five-inch reach advantage and four-inch height advantage, if Beterbiev’s 5ft11in frame is an accurate measurement – which Sky Sports have disputed, saying he may be shorter!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main-event incoming

04:06 , Alex Pattle

One fight left tonight... and it’s Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith!

Beterbiev has a pro record of 19-0 with 19 knockouts, while Smith is 29-1 with 21 KOs.

Smith’s sole pro loss came in 2020, when the Liverpudlian was outpointed by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Smith, 33, has since left the super-middleweight division, where he was previously a world champion, and gone 2-0 at light-heavyweight.

Those two stoppage wins have brought him to Beterbiev, 38, who holds the WBC, WBO and IBF titles.

The Russian, who fights out of Canada, returned an atypical drug-test result in December – though it was only revealed this week – but he has since tested negative and been cleared to fight.

Both men may suffer from a little ring rust tonight; Smith last fought in August 2022, while Beterbiev last competed 12 months ago. The pair were due to clash last summer, but the bout was delayed when Beterbiev suffered a jaw infection.

The main-event ring walks are coming up shortly...

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:54 , Alex Pattle

Murdock’s corner are not letting him back out for round seven! A wise call. He was resilient and game, but he was losing that fight and absorbing a lot of punishment, for as much as he landed.

Mbilli gets the TKO after six rounds.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:53 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

It *seemed* that Murdock’s corner told him they’d pull him out of this fight if he ends up in that kind of trouble again.

Murdock is on the back foot but still throwing punches. He eats a trio of jabs, though. More good jabs from Mbilli.

Murdock with a good spell now, and he has Mbilli stumbling off balance with a right hook. The Canadian comes back well, though.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:49 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Again Murdock finds himself trapped against the ropes. He circles away to his left, but he can’t get Mbilli off him.

Murdock has proven himself game and resilient so far, but Mbilli is even more active and is remarkably quick given the power of his output.

Clean right hook to the head by Mbilli, before Murdock holds. Mbilli steps off to the right and unloads. Then he does the same but going left this time.

Right uppercut and hook by Mbilli! They land clean, and Murdock’s defence falters,,, Mbilli backs him up and looks for a finish!

Murdock’s hands are low, he’s eating clean shots, but he just about makes it to the bill!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:45 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Mbilli with a sequence of teasing shots upstairs, making room for a big left hook to the body. Murdock taunts the Canadian, but he’s trapped against the ropes and not throwing back.

The super-middleweights trade body shots before Mbilli goes high this time. Murdock looks to get some respect with a flurry of his own.

Murdock’s mouthguard comes out after a hard right hook from Mbilli, and he motions for it, but Mbilli keeps working. Eventually the referee pauses the action to get the gumshield back in.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:40 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Backstage, Beterbiev is doing some light running on a running machine, while Smith is skipping rope.

Out in the ring, Mbilli and Murdock trade more heavy hooks. Both take aim at the body, before Mbilling uncorks one upstairs.

Murdock is offering plenty, but he’s still being outworked by Mbilli so far.

Two clean left hooks land for Mbilli! Somehow, Murdock is still standing! He eats a right now, late in the round, and another!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:36 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

More stern jabs by Mbilli early in round two. Murdock responds with an uppercut at close range.

Grazing right hook by Mbilli, who then backs up Murdock to the ropes. Both men unload hooks to the body.

Murdock with a hook upstairs, which Mbilli absorbs well. Brutal body hook by Mbilli now.

Murdock shoves him away then eats a stinging jab. Mbilli with a hard right hook to the head, and another.

The super-middleweights get into a firefight against the ropes now, landing hooks and uppercuts to the head and body.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:32 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Mbilli skips towards Murdock. Clean straight from the Australian.

Good uppercut from Mbilli in a frenzied exchange against the ropes. Slick jab by Mbilli, then Murdock fires back with a left hook to the body.

Decent cross by Mbilli, now a jab. More hooks to the body from Murdock.

Again Mbilli times a jab nicely, before sending Murdock stumbling to the canvas with a short right hook, but it’s no knockdown; the Canadian landed the shot illegally to the back of the head after a clinch.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

03:29 , Alex Pattle

Montreal’s Christian Mbilli gets a great reaction as he prepares to face Australia’s Rohan Murdock.

Here we go, 10 rounds (or fewer) at super-middleweight!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Steve Bunce’s preview

03:15 , Alex Pattle

As we wait for the next bout, here’s a bit more from Steve Bunce...

“Beterbiev has a natural rival in Dmitry Bivol, the unbeaten WBA champion at light-heavyweight, and talk of their long overdue unification fight rumbles on. The pair won their titles in the same month, November, back in 2017; it is a disgrace that they have shared the titles and not met each other during such a long period of time.

“Bivol has managed 11 world-title fights in that time. Bivol and Beterbiev not fighting highlights the modern problems in the rich, rich world of boxing – how can two unbeaten champions fail to meet each other during a six-year shared reign? It is crazy.”

Eddie Hearn confirmed this week that Bivol and Beterbiev have signed to fight each other in Saudi Arabia this year, but Beterbiev must first overcome Smith to secure that bout...

Callum Smith capable of glorious victory in showdown with Artur Beterbiev

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock

02:57 , Alex Pattle

Next up, 10 rounds are scheduled between Christian Mbilli and Rohan Murdock at super-middleweight.

After that? It should be time for Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith...

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:51 , Alex Pattle

Compubox statistics have Sanchez landing more punches and with greater accuracy – though there’s not a lot in it.

And we’ll go to the judges’ scorecards...

Jason Moloney def. Saul Sanchez via majority decision (114-114, 116-112, 116-112).

Lots of boos in the arena! Sanchez looks dispirited. It was such a close fight, but Indy Sport felt that Sanchez began to pull away towards the end of the bout.

A brilliant fight, and Moloney will be so relieved to have heard “AND STILL” WBO bantamweight champion.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:46 , Alex Pattle

Round 12

This one really could go either way. Each man will feel like he needs this round, just in case; so many of the rounds have been razor close.

Good timing from Moloney to evade some wild shots from Sanchez and land some clean straights. The bantamweights hold each other and dig in with body shots.

They’re separated but soon clinch again. Once more they’re separated and begin to unload shots, as the crowd in Quebec City roars them on!

Sanchez seems to be standing purely by virtue of leaning on Moloney! OH! Yet somehow, he produces a blistering barrage as the bell approaches!

And it sounds. A war. Credit to both men.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:42 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Into the championship rounds. Moloney looks to get out on the front foot.

Nice jab and hook from the champion, but he then walks onto a hard shot. A left hook just about lands for Sanchez now.

It’s impossible to keep up with every punch here, by the way, such is the volume of output from both men. Warriors.

They briefly clinch, as if to buy some time to breathe. Uppercut for Moloney, hook for Sanchez, who then pours on more shots.

Lots of straight punches on point for both men. Oh, Sanchez is stumbling badly... Yet still he’s able to compose himself and unleash a barrage at Moloney, who is doing the same – simultaneously!

We’re only two weeks into 2024, but this one feels like a fight of the year contender!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:37 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Three rounds left! Teasing right cross and left uppercut by Sanchez. Moloney backs him up again but eats an uppercut to the body for his trouble.

Snapping jabs by Sanchez, who’s looked better and better as the fight has gone on.

More brutal work from both men at point-blank range, as the lean on each other. Great accuracy from Sanchez – clean amid the chaos.

Moloney with a quickfire combination to the head, though.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:33 , Alex Pattle

Round 9

Good spell from Sanchez, whose speed is still intact at this juncture of the fight, as he unfurls a flurry of hooks.

Moloney fires back, though, backing up Sanchez to the ropes and peppering him with short shots.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:29 , Alex Pattle

Round 8

Nice jab work by Sanchez, who then motions to the referee, calling for a low blow by Moloney. Nothing there.

Each bantamweight burrows a hook into the body of the other. This bout has been fought at such a high pace.

Beautiful right uppercut by Moloney, who leans off the centre line to open up the angle for that one.

He backs up Sanchez against the ropes, but Sanchez won’t stay there for long.

Grazing hook by the American as he bids to regain some momentum.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:25 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Right straight to the body, left hook to the head by Moloney. It’s a clever attack, with the left hand skimming off the top of Sanchez’s head.

Nice, chopping right hook by Sanchez as Moloney ducks down. And again. Back comes Moloney with an uppercut, but Sanchez just grins at him.

Clean switch one-two by Sanchez, who then sends Moloney stumbling into the ropes with a right hook. Lovely work.

Moloney composes himself and lands a good left hook to end the round.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:21 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

We’re approaching the midway point of this fight. Moloney backs up Sanchez and slings a long one-two at his midriff.

Now Sanchez walks forward and seems to just about land a cross. More firefighting from both men; this has been a very fun affair so far.

Moloney’s cut is leaking again. He seems unperturbed, tagging Sanchez with a short left hook to the head, after Sanchez attacks the body.

Decent one-two by Sanchez, who then goes low again with a left hook.

Moloney pours on pressure with a long sequence of shots.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:16 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Nice variety of output from Moloney, who switches between targeting the head and body of Sanchez, with straight shots, hooks and uppercuts.

Uppercut and right hook land clean for Moloney! Still Sanchez plods forward. He’s staying busy, but he’s getting outworked here.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:13 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Well-timed jab by Moloney. Sanchez chases him but fails to muster much accuracy.

Beautiful uppercut by Moloney, jolting back his challenger’s head. Now a short right cross by the champion.

Sanchez comes back with a right hook to the head, before he fires low. Moloney immediately responds with a right hook upstairs.

Clean cross by Moloney now! Again Sanchez’s head snaps back. Moloney is looking to smother the American against the ropes.

Plenty of body shots from both men. late in the round.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:09 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Phone-booth fighting early in this round. Both bantamweights unload hooks to the body at point-blank range.

Short right straight by Sanchez. Moloney with a longer one.

The champion has a trail of blood dripping down around his right eye; it appears he’s been cut right in the corner.

Lovely left uppercut by Sanchez! Moloney with a stern jab. Lots of activity from both men.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:05 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Moloney sets up a right cross with a double-jab. Now a short right cross and left hook by the champion. Great work.

Sanchez tags the Aussie with a solid right hook, though, as Moloney circles. Moloney fires back with hooks to the body – one off each wing.

Sanchez backs him up to the ropes and burrows a left uppercut into the mid-section of Moloney, who respoonds in kind.

Swift left uppercut to the head by Moloney, who snuck that shot through Sanchez’s guard nicely.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

02:01 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Moloney hops about, light on his feet. American Sanchez jabs to the body.

Long, straight shots upstairs by Sanchez now, after he backs up Moloney to the ropes. Moloney’s guard withstands the shots, though.

Both fighters land jabs at the same time. Now Sanchez misses with a few jabs, and he’s timed well by Moloney.

Moloney digs to the body with a left uppercut, then parries a counter jab in slick fashion.

Sanchez sneaks in a decent right cross. Left hooks land for both men.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Saul Sanchez

01:54 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Jason Moloney defends the WBO bantamweight title against Saul Sanchez.

Australia’s Moloney is making his ring walk now, to the sound of “Down Under” by Men At Work. Lovely.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Eddie Hearn’s pre-fight prediction

01:51 , Alex Pattle

Eddie Hearn, who promotes Smith, live from the arena: “Absolutely confident, we know it’s a tough fight, but this is it: This is the away day. You know when you’re on the train with your mates, just a few of you?

“Now it’s showtime, the real business, the hurt business. It’s gonna be a violent fight in there. They’ve given us a nice, small [18ft] ring tonight, and I think that’s good for us. You have to get [Beterbiev’s] respect early. This fight has to be over in eight or nine rounds.

“The guy’s a monster, you’ve got to chop him down early. You’ve got to take him out; if you don’t, you’re not winning this fight.

“This is knockout win or go home empty handed.”

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Steve Bunce’s preview

01:35 , Alex Pattle

As we wait for the next bout, here’s a bit more from Steve Bunce on tonight’s main event...

“Beterbiev won the first of his world titles in 2017, has made seven defences and so far, he has knocked out, dropped, hurt, bludgeoned, cut and ruined every single one of the 19 men he has met in the ring. It is not uncommon for a boxer, with the protection of matchmakers, to compile a record like that in easy fights on undercards, but it is uncommon for a man to keep knocking out opponents at the highest level. Beterbiev has good names on his record, make no mistake.

“Smith has lost just once in 30 fights and that was on the road in Texas, over 12 rounds, to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez; Smith injured a bicep, Canelo controlled the fight. It was not a slugfest; it was not a beating. Smith left the discomfort of the super-middleweight division after that loss, giving up on his life-long battle with the scales, to join the light-heavyweight division. He has won two fights quickly since moving up in weight after the loss to Canelo in 2020.”

Full fight preview:

Callum Smith capable of glorious victory in showdown with Artur Beterbiev

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Imam Khataev vs Michael Ludwiczak

01:24 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Khataev starts this round on the front foot, before Ludwiczak bows his head and throws a blind overhand in a bid to get the Russian off him.

Still Khataev comes forward. Ludwiczak is breathing heavily and struggling to keep his hands up. He musters a good left hook, but he’s soon dropped to a knee!

He’s quickly back up and buys a bit of time as his mouthguard is put back in. Immediately he’s under pressure from Khataev, who is unfurling hooks off both wings and mixing in uppercuts...

It’s an onslaught against the ropes, and the referee steps in! Khataev gets it done at 2:17 in round two!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Imam Khataev vs Michael Ludwiczak

01:19 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Khataev times a nice left hook, early doors. And again.

He’s hunting Ludwiczak, who throws his own counter left hook but eats a trio of body shots.

Khataev with a hook to the body then one to the head, a nice quickfire combination. Ludwiczak fires back now, getting on the front foot before covering up as Khataev unloads his latest barrage.

Ludwiczak stumbles backwards – he’s wobbly already... Nice shot variation from Khataev, who may just sense an early finish.

Ludwiczak shows great resilience to produce some more output, though.

Khataev jabs to the body, then head, then body, then head.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Imam Khataev vs Michael Ludwiczak

01:12 , Alex Pattle

We kick things off with a light-heavyweight bout between Imam Khataev and Michael Ludwiczak, who is replacing Rodolfo Gomez Jr on short notice.

Ten rounds scheduled here!

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Steve Bunce’s preview

01:00 , Steve Bunce

Beterbiev has looked beatable in previous fights, he has been caught and dropped, but he finds a way to win. He always finds a way to win. At 38 he is, naturally, heading towards the end of his career, but he has only had eight world-title fights in just over six years – he is looking after his health and his tank. He is a smart man on both sides of the ropes.

Smith can box, he can bang, and he has a great chin. Beterbiev will need Smith to get involved in the type of hard, hard fight he likes; Smith is not a fool, and this could end with a glorious British victory. It might not always be pretty, but it might just be smart.

Full fight preview:

Callum Smith capable of glorious victory in showdown with Artur Beterbiev

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Full card (subject to late changes)

00:40 , Alex Pattle

Artur Beterbiev (C) vs Callum Smith (WBC, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles)

Jason Moloney (C) vs Saul Sanchez (WBO bantamweight title)

Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock (super-middleweight)

Imam Khataev vs Michael Ludwiczak (light-heavyweight)

Christopher Guerrero vs Sergio Garcia Herrera (welterweight)

Mehmet Unal vs Dragan Lepei (light-heavyweight)

Leila Beaudoin vs Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza (women’s super-featherweight)

Moreno Fendero vs Victor Hugo Flores (super-middleweight)

Wilkens Mathieu vs TBA (super-middleweight)

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Odds for main event

00:20 , Alex Pattle

Beterbiev – 2/9

Smith – 10/3

Draw – 16/1

Via Betway.

Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: How to watch fight tonight

00:00 , Alex Pattle

In the UK, the event will air live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event. It will also stream live on the broadcaster’s website and Sky Go app. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the fights live.

How to watch Beterbiev vs Smith online and on TV tonight

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Start time and ring walks

Saturday 13 January 2024 23:40 , Alex Pattle

Tonight’s event takes place at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.

Coverage is due to begin at 1am GMT on Sunday 14 January (6pm PT, 8pm CT, 9pm ET on Saturday).

No time has yet been announced for the main-event ring walks, but we’re estimating around 3.30am GMT on Sunday (8.30pm PT, 10.30pm CT, 11.30pm ET on Saturday).

What time does Beterbiev vs Smith start tonight?

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Champion cleared to fight after atypical drug-test finding

Saturday 13 January 2024 23:20 , Alex Pattle

It was revealed on Thursday (11 January) that Beterbiev had returned an atypical result in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) test in December. However, the unified light-heavyweight champion has since tested negative and been cleared to compete.

Smith’s promoter Eddie Hearn said there was never a contractual reason to cancel the fight, because Beterbiev’s result was atypical rather than ‘adverse’, while journalist Kevin Iole reported: “An atypical finding is not a violation and requires more testing, and Beterbiev underwent those examinations at Vada’s request. Vada reported negative results from the follow-up tests, from urine tests on Dec 15 and Dec 21 and from blood tests on Dec 21 and Jan 3.

“Beterbiev had received atypical findings for human growth hormone (HGH) and 5D-androstanediol. Both occur naturally in the body. When an atypical finding is received, further testing is required to determine if an athlete naturally produces the substance in his or her body at a greater level than average or if the elevated levels were signs of anti-doping.”

Read the article below to hear what Beterbiev, Smith and Vada had to say about the situation:

Artur Beterbiev cleared to fight after returning ‘atypical’ drug-test result

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE

Saturday 13 January 2024 22:19 , Alex Pattle

Artur Beterbiev defends his unified light-heavyweight titles against Callum Smith tonight, as the pair clash in Quebec City.

Beterbiev has a stunning record of 19-0 with 19 knockouts, while Smith’s sole pro loss came against Saul “Canelo Alvarez” in 2020. It was revealed this week that Russian Beterbiev, who fights out of Canada, has signed to fight compatriot Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia this year, but that unification bout is dependent on the 38-year-old beating Smith tonight.

Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) is a former super-middleweight world champion, and the Liverpudlian’s power has carried since he moved up in weight in 2021. This evening, the 33-year-old will test that power against one of the hardest hitters in boxing.

The bout is going ahead after this week’s revelation that Beterbiev returned an ‘atypical’ drug-test result in December, with the Russian having since been cleared to fight after testing negative. Had Beterbiev returned an ‘adverse’ test result, the fight might have been under threat. Per a report by Kevin Iole: “Beterbiev had received atypical findings for human growth hormone (HGH) and 5D-androstanediol. Both occur naturally in the body.”