Smith vs Beterbiev, why?

**Ron Swanson** · 09-10-2023 04:30 AM

I don’t know either of the guys he’s fought since Canelo, so what gets him this fight? What makes anyone think it will be competitive?

**Primo Carnera** · 09-10-2023 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Ron Swanson

I don’t know either of the guys he’s fought since Canelo, so what gets him this fight? What makes anyone think it will be competitive?

I’m not arguing with what you’re saying but he’s 1 in the WBC rankings , #4 in the IBF & 2 in the WBO , and Buatsi , who is number 1 has apparently already turned down the fight.
Now I don’t think you’re naive enough not to realise that financial muscle is everything in Boxing politics, rightly or wrongly.
The question that intrigues me more, is why because of a “dental injury” , was this fight postponed from August to January? That is a long delay in my opinion.
But I suppose if you’re likely to get smacked in the teeth , they’ve got to be ready for it.
We’ve all got our opinions on Smith, but his ranking was probably down to the kudos he received for his SMW career where he was a pretty dominant champion for quite a long time.
I take it you’re not a fan?

**Spicoli** · 09-10-2023 11:26 PM

Tempted to say familiarity may have been considered. Was Buatsi ever in the picture for Beterbiev? Basically all comes down to the wbc steering the shot after Smith won "eliminator" vs Justam Sumguy. Not a shock as they feel it necessary to block a unification with Bivol based on the man's place of birth. Fight could be decent depending on post surgery Beterbiev. Or a one way methodical battering.

**Master** · 09-11-2023 09:35 AM

Smith was a major let down against Canelo, just like his brother was against Eubank the other week, so can only think he is paying the sanctioning body really well and would sue them for not getting a shot at the champion.

If Beterbiev can not make the fight with Bivol then he has to face his mandatories. Smith should do more to earn his shot and has some good domestic challenges to earn his shot but he is waiting. Smith is hoping that Beterbiev will go old in their fight to pull off the upset.

Timing is everything.

Hope he fails.