WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán revealed who will be the next opponent for WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev after his victory over Anthony Yarde.
Beterbiev took on Yarde in a boxing show on the night of January 29 in London. Artur won the fight by a technical knockout in the eighth round.
Beterbiev is one of the best champions of our time, the best welterweight. This was his toughest fight and he will need some rest. His next opponent is WBC mandatory challenger Callum Smith.
Mauricio Sulaimán, quoted by Match TV
Beterbiev fought in June 2022 against American Joe Smith Jr. In this fight Arthur won by TKO in the second round. He had 19 wins, all by decision, but no defeats on record.
Smith last fought against Mathieu Bauderlique in August of last year. That fight, which was stopped in the fourth round, ended in Callum's favor by knockout. He has 29 wins (21 by knockout) and one loss.