Artur Beterbiev (19 – 0, 19 KO) is set to defend his WBC, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight belts against Callum Smith on January 13th, 2024, following the initial postponement of their originally agreed-upon date in August 2023. Though we are three months away from Beterbiev’s attempt to continue his 100% knockout rate, co-promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, didn’t shy away from teasing the potential for another UK bout in Beterbiev’s future.
“Since Artur made such a big splash in the UK against Yarde, we would not be opposed to him returning one day in the future,” claimed Arum.
With less than a week remaining until Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez takes place, Arum expressed some interest in staging his fighter against the winner in the WBA title eliminator. Buatsi and Azeez are each unbeaten, and Azeez has experience sparring with Beterbiev.
“The overhands and the bodywork, those little things, there are small little things that Beterbiev does. I don’t think a lot of people give him credit for his actual boxing IQ because obviously he’s knocked out everyone. He’s got a very intelligent mind in there,” shared Azeez.
Looking at what’s already in store for Beterbiev, Callum Smith will be making his third appearance in the light heavyweight division, following two early knockout victories against Lenin Castillo and Mathieu Bauderlique.
Callum being a UK fighter himself, Arum staging a future fight between the winner of Buatsi vs Azeez would see Beterbiev fight three UK fighters in a row.
Joshua Buatsi Vs. Dan Azeez