Artur Beterbiev is the only legitimate champion in boxing who has knocked out every opponent he has faced in a professional fight.
Joe Smith Jr. has not been truly knocked out in 31 pro bouts. The only time Smith was stopped inside the distance was when, as a 6-0 prospect in August 2010, he suffered a broken jaw during the second round against Eddie Caminero, who won by fourth-round technical knockout once Smith succumbed to extreme pain.
Something must give when they fight Saturday night, but Beterbiev says he isn’t focused on extending his knockout streak to 18.
“If it happens, it happens,” Beterbiev told BoxingScene.com. “If not, like I’ve said before, I’m not dreaming about knockouts. We had an eight-week camp. We did some work and I’ll try to show this work the night of June 18th. That’s it.”
Though three of his past six fights have entered at least the 10th round, the 37-year-old Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) seems determined to show more dimensions to his game against Smith.
“We have different strategies and tactics,” Beterbiev said. “We did a lot of work. I need to show these things June 18th, not only for the fans or my opponent, for me, too, for my team, too. It’s more important for me.”
The 32-year-old Smith is one of the hardest punchers in the light heavyweight division as well.
“He’s a strong guy,” Beterbiev said. “He’s had good experience as a professional. He had fights with good opponents. We’re gonna see.”
