– Britain’s Callum Smith moved a step nearer to turning into a two weight world champion after knocking out French opponent Mathieu Bauderlique in a WBC light-heavyweight title eliminator in Jeddah on Saturday.
The struggle was on the undercard for the heavyweight conflict within the Saudi Arabian metropolis between Ukraine’s WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion Oleksandr Usyk and Britain’s Anthony Joshua.
Smith, who moved up a weight after dropping his WBA super-middlewight title to Mexican Canelo Alvarez in December 2020, floored the Frenchman with a punishing left hook to the pinnacle within the fourth spherical.
Smith now turns into obligatory challenger for the WBC title held by Montreal-based Russian Artur Beterbiev, who additionally holds the IBF and WBO belts.
Beterbiev was attributable to defend his titles in opposition to Britain’s Anthony Yarde in late October however Boxing Scene reported this week that the Russian was injured and wouldn't struggle once more till 2023.
“Tonight I’m in all probability one step nearer,” stated Smith after his win in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis Area.
Promoter Eddie Hearn stated Smith wanted to remain energetic earlier than any title struggle.
“The one factor he’s within the recreation for is to be a two division world champion,” he stated. “We wish him to field once more if he’s prepared and prepared in in all probability November and December as a result of Beterbiev might be going to come back within the spring.”
Hearn stated he would love Smith to struggle Beterbiev at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.
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