Boxing News
‘I Can Be Anywhere and Feel Like Home’ – Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith Press Conference
‘I Can Be Anywhere and Feel Like Home’ – Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith Press Conference
Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) and challenger Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) spoke at a final press conference on Thursday just days before they face each other in the ring.
The two meet in the main event of a Jan. 23 card taking place at the Vidéotron Centre in Québec City, Canada. Beterbiev-Smith will air live on ESPN in the United States, Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom and on Punching Grace in Canada with a subscription. The fight was originally going to take place on Aug. 19, but had to be postponed following a surgical procedure Beterbiev underwent.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith Press Conference
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Beterbiev vs. Smith Press Conference Highlights
Artur Beterbiev
“I am excited like every fight,” said the Russian-born Canadian. “For this fight, we tried to prepare like we usually [do], which is 100 percent.”
“I’m focused for fight. I’m happy they [local fans] come to watch us. I have things to do, other things to do.”
“When you’re [a] sportsmen, it’s already change your life. You’re a sportman, it’s your job. I’m happy [that] I am [a] boxer, [a] sportsman…”
Hear Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives preview Beterbiev-Smith off the “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking below,
Callum Smith
“It’s good, I’m here to do a job,” said former super middleweight champion Smith. “I’m here to become a world champion again. I’m here with my team and as long as I’m with them, I can be anywhere and feel like home…I’m in a good place mentally and physically and I’m ready to perform.”
“I think it’ll be exciting. He’s a very good fighter. He is a champion. He’s a three-belt champion. So, his achievements speak for themselves, but, I believe in meself, I always have. I believe that the best version of me beats anyone in the world. I fully stand by that.”
“I’ve improved a lot over the last couple of years with [my trainer] Buddy McGirt. And the time is now. I’m ready to become a two-division world champion. I’m being presented with the opportunity this weekend, and it’s an opportunity I plan on taking.”
“Regardless of whether the crowd is cheering for me or against me, I’m there to do a job. My focus is on my opponent. It’s nice to have people cheering for you. But if they’re not, I’m still there to do the same thing.”
Full Press Conference
Those that missed the press conference can click below to view the whole thing. The full video can be seen on the Top Rank Boxing YouTube channel.
