Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith:
Beterbiev by TKO in the 7th round.
Christian Mbilli vs. Rohan Murdock:
Mbilli by RTD in the 6th round.
Jason Moloney vs. Saul Sanchez:
Moloney by majority decision.
Imam Khataev vs. Michal Ludwiczak:
Khataev by TKO in the 2nd round.
Leila Beaudoin vs. Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza:
Beaudoin by unanimous decision.
Wilkens Mathieu vs. Jose Arias Alvarez:
Mathieu by unanimous decision.
Mehmet Unal vs. Dragan Lepei:
Unal by TKO in the 1st round.
Christopher Guerrero vs. Sergio Garcia Herrera:
Guerrero by unanimous decision.
Moreno Fendero vs. Victor Hugo Flores:
Fendero by KO in the 1st round.
The long-awaited clash in the boxing world is finally here. Unified WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev defends his titles against WBC No. 1 contender Callum “Mundo” Smith at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada on ESPN and Sky Sports.
Watch the official trailer of the event:
Watch
The highly anticipated light-heavyweight title defense, initially scheduled for August 19th in Canada, has been postponed. Beterbiev, the reigning WBC, WBO, and IBF light-heavyweight champion, underwent surgery due to a bone infection in his jaw.
This fight will be particularly momentous for Beterbiev, a Montreal resident, who will be returning to Quebec City for the first time since 2015 when he defended his IBF North American belt against Gabriel Campillo.
Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing that the occasion is a stride towards bringing major fights back to the province. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum also commented on the bout, lauding Beterbiev’s fearsome reputation while acknowledging Smith as a deserving challenger who won’t be intimidated by the home advantage. Smith himself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating his readiness to fight on away soil and his ambition to return to Liverpool as a world champion.
Artur Beterbiev, the reigning unified light heavyweight champion, is known for his devastating punching power and relentless style. With an unblemished record of 19 knockouts in 19 fights, Beterbiev has established himself as one of the most feared fighters in the division. His aggression, coupled with his technical prowess, makes him a menacing opponent for any contender. Beterbiev's ability to close the distance quickly and deliver thunderous punches has left a trail of defeated opponents in his wake.
Beterbiev is one of the most formidable punchers in boxing with a 100 percent knockout ratio. But previously the WBA super-middleweight titlist Callum Smith is serious about his way to become a two-weight world champion.
Watch the official weigh-in highlights :
Watch
In the co-main event, Christian Mbilli (25-0, 21 KO) prepares to defend his WBC Continental Americas and WBA International super middleweight titles against Australian contender Rohan Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs).
Mbilli, known for his thrilling ring performances, has been gaining international attention, especially after his notable victories against opponents like Nadjib Mohammedi, Carlos Gongora, and Demond Nicholson. Currently ranking high in the WBC, WBA, and IBF standings, Mbilli is on the radar of boxing enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in the context of the division dominated by undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez. “Facing Rohan Murdock brings a fresh challenge. It’s not just a fight; it’s a chance to win over new hearts. January 13 in Quebec, expect fireworks!” Mbilli expressed, highlighting his anticipation for the bout.
Murdock has been on a path to redemption since his defeat to Zach Parker. His latest win, a closely contested split decision over Isaac Hardman, earned him the IBF Australasian super middleweight belt. Murdock's determination is evident as he gears up for the fight: “This fight is a golden chance, and I’ve tasted both sweet and bitter. I’ve prepped for this, and come January 13, victory will be mine,” he stated.
Watch the official press conference live on YouTube:
Watch
In the undercard, Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (26-2, 19 KOs) is set to defend his WBO world title against Mexican-American challenger Saul Sanchez (20-2, 12 KOs).
Moloney, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, has demonstrated resilience and determination on his path to world title recognition. After narrow defeats in title fights against Emmanuel Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue, Moloney bounced back with notable victories over Joshua Greer Jr. and Aston Palicte. His triumph against Vincent Astrolabio by majority decision in May crowned him as the WBO champion. “I achieved my dream of becoming world champion, but 2024 is the year I prove I’m the best bantamweight in the world," Moloney expressed, underscoring his ambition to dominate the division and achieve undisputed champion status.
Saul Sanchez, a rising star from Los Angeles, approaches his first world title challenge with significant momentum. Overcoming a split decision loss to Eros Correa, Sanchez rebounded impressively with a string of victories, including a stoppage win against Franklin Gonzalez and a unanimous decision over RV Deniega in Japan. “I am excited about this opportunity," Sanchez stated, reflecting his readiness and determination to seize the world champion title.
Main card:
▪️Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith, 12 rounds, for Beterbiev’s unified WBC, WBO, IBF light heavyweight titles
▪️Christian Mbilli vs. Rohan Murdock, 10 rounds, for Mbilli’s WBC Continental Americas and WBA International super middleweight titles
Preliminary card: (Starts at 5:25 pm ET)
▪️Jason Moloney vs. Saul Sanchez, 12 rounds, for Moloney’s WBO bantamweight title
▪️Imam Khataev vs. Michal Ludwiczak, 10 rounds, light heavyweight
▪️Leila Beaudoin vs. Elizabeth Chavez Espinoza, 8 rounds, super featherweight
▪️Wilkens Mathieu vs. Jose Arias Alvarez, 4 rounds, super middleweight
▪️Mehmet Unal vs. Dragan Lepei, 8 rounds, light heavyweight
▪️Christopher Guerrero vs. Sergio Garcia Herrera, 8 rounds, welterweight
▪️Moreno Fendero vs. Victor Hugo Flores, 4 rounds, super middleweight
Watch Beterbiev vs. Smith fight marathon live on YouTube:
Watch
