Via Sam Volz: Tim Bradley predicts an early knockout victory for IBF/WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev when he takes on WBO heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr this Saturday, June 18, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Bradley felt two-time Olympian Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) would have too much firepower for Smith (28-3, 22 KOs) and be weakened by the steady pressure that was on him.
Although Beterbiev was forced to go into the later rounds to score a knockout in his last three games, he will need to fight at a faster pace on Saturday due to strength and fighting style. Smith’s comprehensive.
In Beterbiev’s final title defense against mandatory Marcus Browne at his WBC, he started slowly and let the Americans have some success in the first four innings. This caused Betterbiev to suffer a cut on his forehead.
The cut awakened Beterbiev, causing him to fight like a possessed man, attacking Browne for revenge before stopping him in the ninth round.
Three belts will be lined up for the Beterbiev-Smith bout and the winner will be in position to fight for the undisputed 175 lb championship, possibly this year, against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev vs. Smith will be shown on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET.
“Beterbiev knows how to knock opponents down, and I think he’s going to tear down Smith and get him out soon,” Tim Bradley told ESPN on Saturday between the two light heavyweight champions. “This fight won’t last six rounds.”
In the main support round, featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (9-1.5 KOs) will take on the most formidable test of his three-year professional career against Abraham Nova (21-0, 15 KOs) in a competition of 10 rounds.
Top ratings will find out in this fight if they make the right decision in signing two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy in 2019 because if he loses here, that’s a signal. shows that he is not removed from the professional ranks.
While Robeisy is an excellent amateur, he doesn’t look as impressive as on the pro level, having lost his first match to Adan Gonzales amazingly and struggling to beat him in the rematch. in June 2020.
The undefeated Puerto Rican, Nova, is a tough customer, and he may be a step too far for Robeisy. Nova will make it to the last 16 against 2012 track athlete William Encarnación. From Nova’s view of that fight, he might be too challenging for Robeisy at this point in his career.
Betterbiev – Smith undercard
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Abraham Nova
Bruce Carrington vs Adrian Leyva
Jahi Tucker vs D’Andre Smith
Floyd Diaz vs. Daniil Platonovschi
Troy Isley vs. Donte Stubbs
Kieran Molloy and Jonathan Ryan Burrs
Wendy Toussaint and Asinia Byfield
Jahyae Brown vs Keane McMahon
Bradley was selected for Saturday’s unification match#BeterbievSmith | SATURDAY | 10 p.m. ET | @espn pic.twitter.com/y61LWLeYgy
– ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 15, 2022
