Beterbiev to defend against Smith

IBF Light Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev will defend his title against hard-punching Joe Smith, Jr. in December and streamed on DAZN, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

There were rumors that Smith would face WBA champion Dmitry Bivol, but Smith promoter Joe DeGuardia went in a new direction.

“We were in discussions for the Bivol fight, but we didn’t have a signed deal and there were still some loose ends,” DeGuardia said. “And then we got a tremendous offer for something different. I ended those Bivol talks as soon as this deal came into the fold, and I called up Main Events [which would have promoted the Nov. 24 card] and HBO to tell them.”

The fight with Beterbiev almost took place in November, but logistics pushed it to December.

“It was possible for November, but that’s slipping away, so it’s going to be in December. We are ready to roll,” said DeGuardia, who added that they have signed their paperwork.

Beterbiev co-promoter Eddie Hearn is excited about the fight.

“It’s a great, explosive fight,” Hearn, who co-promotes Beterbiev with Yvon Michel, told ESPN. “I really feel like Artur is going to make a strong charge now and he is fantastic to watch. Joe will have plenty of support as always and you mustn’t blink!”

DeGuardia is happy to have Smith involved in a world title fight be it against either of the Russian champions.

“Both are very, very difficult fights because they are both top, top fighters,” he said. “But you’re fighting for a championship. So it’s not an easy fight. You look at it and say Beterbiev, as a fan, I’d love to see. [They are like] smashing robots, two bangers who can punch. But it’s a tough fight and a good fight. I think it will resonate with the fans.”