Briton Callum Smith’s bid to turn into a two-weight world champion ended in heartbreak after a seventh-round stoppage defeat by the terrific Artur Beterbiev in Quebec.
The Russian systematically broke Smith all the way down to defend his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles.
He floored the challenger twice in the seventh earlier than 33-year-old Smith’s nook pulled him from the competition.
“I believe it is due to luck,” Beterbiev, 38, modestly mentioned.
He maintained his 100% file, having stopped all 20 skilled opponents throughout the distance and is now concentrating on a unification combat in opposition to fellow Russian and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
“I want a fourth belt. It would imply in this class I’ve completed my work,” mentioned Beterbiev, who hopes to turn into the primary undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the four-belt period.
Liverpool’s Smith, the previous super-middleweight champion, was stopped for the primary time in his skilled profession, struggling a second defeat in 31 outings.
The challenger made a low-key entrance on the Videotron Centre earlier than Beterbiev, who additionally holds twin Canadian citizenship, was cheered by the house crowd.
Beterbiev began shortly, unloading throughout the first 15 seconds however whereas Smith did calm down, Beterbiev quickly took full management.
Smith was backed up on the ropes halfway by way of the fourth spherical as straight jabs, hooks to the physique and highly effective proper palms landed cleanly.
The Briton dug in and continued to throw his palms in opposition to the undeterred Beterbiev, however the confidence quickly appeared to empty from ‘El Mundo’ Smith, who had been out of the ring since August 2022.
There was little pop to his punches as he was marked up beneath each eyes, the writing seemingly on the wall.
Two-time Olympian Beterbiev’s explosive energy is complimented by under-rated boxing abilities as he managed the space, touchdown brief, sharp sharp and correct jabs.
A counter proper linked with the highest of Smith’s head halfway by way of the seventh spherical, and Beterbiev adopted it up with a barrage of photographs to the pinnacle and physique.
A helpless Smith crouched down and seconds later slumped to the canvas. He rose to his ft on the rely of eight however was floored once more seconds later.
Smith’s coach Buddy McGirt entered the ring and signalled to Michael Griffin to name off the competition, and the referee obliged as a deflated Smith sank to his knees, consoled by his brothers.
