Callum Smith, once on the brink of becoming a two-weight world champion, finds himself at a career crossroads after a challenging defeat by Artur Beterbiev, the WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion. This recent setback, as reported by John Evans, is not just a loss in the ring but a moment of introspection for Smith about his future in boxing.
The seventh-round stoppage defeat to Beterbiev is a significant blow to Smith, especially when compared to his 2020 decision loss to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The loss to “Canelo” had its mitigating factors – short notice, an in-fight arm injury, and the stress of making the super middleweight limit. However, the defeat to Beterbiev leaves Smith grappling with a harsher reality. It was a fight where the Liverpool native struggled to find his rhythm against Beterbiev’s relentless pressure, starkly different from his previous setbacks.
In a candid post-fight interview with Sky Sports, Smith expressed his feelings of disappointment, acknowledging the difficulty in accepting that he might not be the best in his class. “The better man won tonight,” Smith admitted, reflecting on how Beterbiev’s constant pressure and impactful “touching” prevented him from establishing any momentum. This honest self-assessment reveals the depth of Smith’s disappointment and the challenge ahead in reassessing his career trajectory.
At 33, Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) faces a pivotal decision. Known for his ambition, the prospect of reverting to domestic-level fights seems unlikely to satisfy him. Yet, the path back to the top of the light heavyweight division is fraught with challenges and devoid of shortcuts. This is a critical juncture for Smith, who has achieved remarkable success, including winning the WBA super middleweight title in the World Boxing Super Series.
Reflecting on his high standards and the realization that he may not be at the pinnacle anymore, Smith contemplates his future. Balancing his commitment to boxing with his role as a family man, he expresses the desire to spend time with his loved ones, stepping back to evaluate his motivations and goals. This period of reflection is crucial for Smith as he decides whether to reignite his passion for the sport or close this chapter of his life. As he ponders his next steps, the boxing world watches, recognizing the end of an era for a fighter who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Image Credit: DAZN