Paul Smith, the brother of Callum Smith, and former boxer in his own right is confident that his brother, Callum will defeat Artur Beterbiev in their upcoming fight on August 19. If Callum can secure a victory against Beterbiev, not just would he win the WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight world titles, but it would be a significant accomplishment and potentially set him up for a matchup against Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed championship.
Paul Smith believes that Beterbiev showed vulnerability in his last fight against Anthony Yarde, where Yarde was able to start quickly and build up a lead on the judges' scorecards but eventually ran out of gas and was knocked out by Beterbiev. However, Paul acknowledges that Callum may not have the same style and temperment including the pace he sets and Callum's reluctance to engage in exchanges early in fight. Paul Smith believes that Beterbiev might be slipping and that Callum will thrive when Beterbiev heistates.
“Beterbiev is a monster if you let him. He’s vulnerable, and if he’s vulnerable and he’s in there with someone like Callum, can punch like Callum, and has the timing, accuracy, the brain, the smartness of Callum, then I’m very, very confident," said Paul Smith to Secondsout. “I don’t think there’s a better time. So we have to take that as a positive."
Paul highlights Callum's past victories, including wins over George Groves, John Ryder, and Rocky Fielding, as examples of why he will beat Artur Beterbiev. He believes that Callum possesses the power to stun Beterbiev, especially since Beterbiev has been knocked down before. Something that has never happened to Callum.
“With Callum’s defense and Callum’s punching power. Beterbiev has been down before," said Paul Smith. "Callum hasn’t. The people that have put Beterbiev down, I’d back Callum’s power against all of them. I’m quietly confident."
Although Paul expresses some disappointment that the fight is not taking place in Liverpool, England, he understands that it was determined through a purse bid, that of which Callum's team lost. However, he believes Callum will embrace the opportunity to win a world title away from home, similar to his first world title victory against George Groves in Saudi Arabia.
Regardless, Paul Smith believes his brother will win this bout.
