After news of unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev’s serious jaw infection prompted an official postponement at the weekend, more information has since surfaced about when fans should expect his proposed mandatory title defence against Callum Smith to be rescheduled.
Beterbiev (jaw) not back until November, earliest
- Radio Canada reported Beterbiev suffered a serious jaw infection after a root canal went wrong and he subsequently needed emergency surgery
- “I had an operation and the doctors insisted on postponing the fight so the jaw had time to heal. Thanks to everyone who has already bought tickets – the fight will definitely be on another day. God’s plans are much better than our dreams,” the 38-year-old said
- Former WBA super-middleweight champion Smith could have to wait until January 2024 – meaning he would’ve been out of the ring 16 months before crack at a world title in second weight division
Camille Estephan from Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) provided a statement to Radio Canada, confirming Beterbiev might not make his in-ring return until November or even further in future into 2024, meaning another frustratingly inactive year for one of the world’s most dominant and long-reigning boxing champions.
In addition, it leaves Callum Smith in limbo. Can he afford to wait much longer? The 33-year-old Scouser was originally set to face Poland’s Pawel Stepien, headlining a Matchroom card in March, before withdrawing with a minor undisclosed injury.
ALSO READ:
Crawford crushes Spence with R9 TKO win, now undisputed 147lb champion
As inactivity continues, Stanionis wants good dance partner – Ennis included
Inoue outboxes and stops Fulton, becomes a four-weight world titlist in Tokyo
Smith most recently boxed on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua 2 card in Saudi Arabia last August, scoring a fourth-round KO win over Olympic bronze medallist Mathieu Bauderlique in what was a WBC title eliminator.
Beterbiev’s trainer, Marc Ramsay, spoke about the upcoming challenge in June and suggested Smith could be his charge’s toughest opponent yet.
Artur is said to have experienced some discomfort but continued training through it, taking part in some sparring sessions under Ramsay’s supervision too.
However, that pain escalated to a stage where he needed to see a medical specialist and subsequently had emergency surgery to rectify the issue this past Sunday.
The operation was described as successful, though the recovery could be long – and not without complication – hence the November-January timeline for his return.
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes via BoxingScene
Mo and Sports 