A 2009 World Championships gold medalist, Beterbiev also competed in the Olympics. He made his pro debut in 2013 and won the WBA-NABA light-heavyweight title in 2014. In 2017, Beterbiev won the IBF light-heavyweight title against Enrico Kolling. Beterbiev has defended that title five times.
In 2019, Beterbiev beat Oleksandr Gvozdyk to win the WBC light-heavyweight title. In his last fight, Beterbiev beat Marcus Browne to retain the titles and to hold onto his undefeated knockout-to-win ratio.
Smith made his pro debut in 2009. To start his career, Smith won 11 fights via knockout. After losing his first bout in 2010, Smith went on a 17-fight win streak. He beat Bernard Hopkins in 2017 in what would be Hopkins’ last fight. Smith lost to Dmitry Bivol in 2019 for the WBA light-heavyweight title. Following that, he has won four in a row. He beat Maxim Vlasov for the WBO light-heavyweight title in 2021.
In his last bout in January, Smith beat Steve Geffrard via TKO to retain the title.
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The winner of Beterbiev vs. Smith will most likely face WBA champion Dmitry Bivol in an undisputed title fight.
Here is a complete guide for Beterbiev vs. Smith, including the start time, fight card, price, updated betting odds, and more. The Sporting News will be providing updates as time goes on.
When is Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr.?
Date: Saturday, June 18 Start time: 6 p. m. ET Main card: 10 p. m. ET Main event: 11:30 p. m. ET (approximately)
Beterbiev vs. Smith takes place on June 18. The prelim fights will start at 6 p.m. ET. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET and Beterbiev and Smith should make their way to the ring around 11:30 p.m. ET. That depends on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr.?
TV channel: ESPN+, Sky Sports
The Beterbiev vs. Smith main card will air on ESPN+.
In the U.K., you can watch the fight on Sky Sports.
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Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr. price: How much does the card cost?
You can pay $6.99 for a monthly subscription to ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $69.99.
Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform.
Where is Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr.?
Beterbiev vs. Smith will take place inside Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater. The Hulu Theater can hold up to 5,600 people.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr. betting odds
Per Vegas Insider, Beterbiev is the -700 favorite while Smith is the +400 underdog.
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Beterbiev is the -1497 favorite while Smith is the +560 underdog.
Artur Beterbiev record and bio
Nationality: Russian Born: January 21, 1985 Height: 6-0 Reach: 73 inches Total fights: 17 Record: 17-0 with 17 wins via knockout
Joe Smith Jr. record and bio
Nationality: American Born: September 20, 1989 Height: 6-0 Reach: 76 inches Total fights: 31 Record: 28-3 with 22 wins via knockout
Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr. fight card
Artur Beterbiev (c) vs. Joe Smith Jr. (c) for the WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles Robeisy Ramirez vs. Abraham Nova; Featherweights Wendy Toussaint vs. Asina Byfield; Super-Welterweights Jahyae Brown vs. Keane McMahon; Super-Welterweights
