Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev will return to the ring later this summer. On August 19, 2023, Beterbiev is set to fight Callum “Mundo” Smith at Videotron Centre in Québec City, Canada. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. EST on August 19.
“The legend of the sport’s most fearsome puncher, Artur Beterbiev, continues August 19 in beautiful Québec City for a fight that can’t help but be a light heavyweight championship classic,” Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said.
“Callum Smith is a deserving mandatory challenger who won’t be intimidated fighting on Artur’s home turf.”
Beterbiev last fought back in January. He maintained his perfect record by stopping challenger Anthony Yarde in the 8th round.
“I can’t say I did a bad fight but if I did it again, I would do better, but I feel good,” he said as he reviewed his most recent performance.
“Every boxer in this category can punch hard and Anthony did too; he is 31, he’s young, I turned pro 28, so he has time. I hope he does well in the future.”
Seven months removed from his most recent outing in the U.K., Beterbiev is excited to bring his titles back to his adopted home in Canada and improve upon his most recent outing.
“Québec is my second home, so I’m very happy to finally defend my titles on home turf,” Beterbiev said.
“When you are world champion, everyone wants the opportunity to take your belt, and that’s especially true in my case, with three titles at stake. I’ve already started my training camp, and I’ll be ready to not only defend my belts, but to also put on an impressive show August 19.”
