The head of Matchroom Boxing Eddie Hearn, who represents British Callum Smith, has commented on the upcoming fight with WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev of Russia.
Previously, the World Boxing Council (WBC) ordered Beterbiev to defend against Smith. The boxers were given time until April 11 to negotiate terms.
The negotiations have been extended. We don't have a lot of time left before the promoter's bids are announced, but we're looking forward to getting a deal done. Obviously, we would like to have this fight in Liverpool. And there is also interest in the Middle East. I hope we get the fight before the end of July.
Eddie Hearn
Smith, 32, last fought against Mathieu Bauderlique last August. That fight, which was stopped in the fourth round, ended in favor of Callum by knockout. He has 29 wins (21 by knockout) and one loss.
Beterbiev, 38, last came to the ring in January, 2023, beating Anthony Yarde by TKO in the eighth round. In June, 2022, Arthur fought Joe Smith. Their confrontation ended with Beaterbiev's victory by TKO in the second round. He has 19 wins (all by knockout) without a single loss.