Beterbiev Vs. Smith Presser – Key Quotes
Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith had their final presser ahead of their light heavyweight clash this Saturday.
Beterbiev defends his WBO, WBC and IBF belts, hoping to face Dmitry Bivol for undisputed. Bivol has already signed the contract to make it happen, leaving Beterbiev with the pressure to win. Beterbiev’s preparation has been hampered after his VADA tests demonstrated ‘atypical findings’ for human growth hormone and 5D-androstanediol. Although further urine and blood samples were negative, Smith passed all his tests, failing to draw up a negative inference, leaving the scrutiny on Beterbiev.
Smith is on a great run of form following his defeat to Canelo Alvarez. He has had two stoppage wins in a row since moving up to light heavyweight. A win potentially secures him a lucrative fight in Saudi Arabia for all the belts at 175. Here are the key quotes from the presser.
Beterbiev Vs. Smith
“I’m excited, just like I am for every fight. For this fight, we prepared like we usually do, which is at 100 percent. I’m focused on this fight. I’m happy that my supporters are coming to watch us. But I have things to do,” Beterbiev
“I’m here to do a job. I’m here to become a world champion again. [And] I’m here with my team. And as long as I’m with them, I can be anywhere and feel like home. I’m in a good place mentally and physically, and I’m ready to perform.This will be exciting. He’s a very good fighter. He’s a three-belt champion. So, his achievements speak for themselves. But, I believe in myself. I always have. [And] I believe that the best version of me can beat anyone in the world. I fully stand by that.”
“I’ve improved a lot over the last couple of years with {my trainer} Buddy McGirt. And the time is now. I’m ready to become a two-division world champion. I’m being presented with the opportunity this weekend, and it’s an opportunity I plan on taking.” “Regardless of whether the crowd is cheering for me or against me, I’m there to do a job. My focus is on my opponent. It’s nice to have people cheering for you. But if they’re not, I’m still there to do the same thing,” Smith
Trainers’ Reaction
“He’s a good fighter. He’s a complete. [And] He’s No. 1 for a reason. But at the end of the day, Artur has been boxing since he was nine. He’s seen everything.” “It’s always good {for him to start camp in Russia}. It’s a protocol that we’ve had for a long time. We’ve had success with that protocol. He goes to a high altitude to start training camp the right way and make sure he’s not starting the real camp at zero,” Marc Ramsay (Beterbiev’s head trainer)
“He’s very underrated. I think a lot of people underestimate him. He’s going to really showcase what he can do on Saturday night.” “You can’t go into the fight thinking about his record. We know what’s in front of us. We’re not stupid. We know that it’s a tough test. We’re prepared for that. If you’re worried about that, you’re in the wrong business,” Buddy McGirt (Smith’s head trainer)
Other Fights On The Card
Jason Moloney vs. Saul Sanchez – Bantamweight
Imam Khataev vs. Michael Ludwiczak – light heavyweight
Leila Beaudoin vs. Elizabeth Espinoza – junior lightweight
Wilkens Mathieu vs. Jose Arias Alvarez – super middleweight
Mehmet Ünal vs. Dragan Lepei – light heavyweight
Christopher Guerrero vs. Sergio Herrera – welterweight
Moreno Fendero vs. Victor Hugo Flores – middleweight
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