Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Results as champion drops and stops Briton in round seven

Follow the fallout after Artur Beterbiev retained the unified light-heavyweight titles against Callum Smith

Cristiano Ronaldo's awkward reaction Conor McGregor

Artur Beterbiev retained the unified light-heavyweight titles with a brutal finish of Callum Smith on Saturday night, setting up a tantalising clash with Dmity Bivol.

Smith had his moments and took on his corner’s advice to target the body of Beterbiev, but the champion remained unfazed, built momentum across six rounds, and turned up the pressure in round seven.

In that frame, the Russian overwhelmed Smith against the ropes, producing an onslaught that saw him hurt the Briton with numerous right hands. Eventually Smith lolloped to the canvas after a left, and though he was able to beat the referee’s count, he was soon put down again as Beterbiev maintained his barrage.

Once more, Smith rose to his feet, but the Liverpudlian’s trainer Buddy McGirt entered the ring to call an end to the contest, sparing his fighter further punishment. Beterbiev, 38, sunk to his knees in emotion, as he celebrated retaining the WBC, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles. The result also improved the veteran’s record to 20-0 with 20 knockouts, and it sets up an intriguing bout with WBA champion Bivol.

Re-live updates from Beterbiev vs Smith and the undercard fights, below.

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE

• Artur Beterbiev stopped Callum Smith in round seven to retain unified light-heavyweight titles
• Russian dropped Smith twice before Liverpudlian’s coach called off the contest
• Beterbiev remains unbeaten with 20 KOs from 20 fights, sets up intriguing clash with Dmitry Bivol

[14 January 2024 05:33 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

[14 January 2024 05:20 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

[14 January 2024 05:12 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

Ramadan ends on 9 April, meaning mid-July is the earliest date at which Beterbiev vs Bivol can take place, according to Arum.

[14 January 2024 05:04 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

Beterbiev is now 20-0 with 20 knockouts.

He says: “My coach, our team is working hard with me.” He also jokes that tonight was down to “luck”.

“We have a couple strategies, you need to be prepared for several strategies. [Smith] gave me a good fight, he stayed strong. Thank you to him. But today, luck is on my side.”

Smith is given a round of applause as he makes his way out of the ring.

Beterbiev is asked about a fight with WBA champion and fellow Russian Dmitry Bivol – a bout that is reportedly signed already.

“Yes, of course [I want Bivol next]. I need another, fourth belt,” Beterbiev says.

Promoter Bob Arum insists that the fight is not fully signed, suggesting that it will have to take place three months after Ramadan ends.

[14 January 2024 04:58 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

Smith looks devastated in his corner.

[14 January 2024 04:55 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: All over in round seven

Beterbiev is 39 next week but looks as fearsome as ever. Wow.

[14 January 2024 04:54 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

Round 7

Smith does well to corner Beterbiev, but he’s tagged hard by a few right hands, and he’s wobbling all over the place... Beterbiev mixing in left hands at a furious pace...

And Smith falls down against the ropes, his arms lolloping either side of him!!

Smith beats the referee’s count, but he’s crumpling against the ropes again as Beterbiev goes for the finish! Down goes Smith for the second time!!

Smith beats the referee’s count, but the Liverpudlian’s trainer Buddy McGirt has entered the ring to wave it off! It’s all over!

Beterbiev collqpses to his knees in emotion! AND STILL!

[14 January 2024 04:50 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

Round 6

Worrying signs for Smith early in round six? Beterbiev comes forward and pours on more pressure.

Smith does well to fire back with a hard left hook to the head, before aiming at the body. Nice jab now, jolting back the champion’s head.

Now Smith digs a left hook to the body, but he’s caught with a counter hook upstairs. OH! Good left hook to the head by Smith, though.

Beterbiev slings an uppercut underneath Smith’s guard. Now he lands a stiff left as the pair clinch.

Smith did well to turn that into a pretty good round, in all honesty.

[14 January 2024 04:46 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

Round 5

Smith backs up after a clean jab from Beterbiev. Now the Briton comes forward, varying his offence as he does so.

Nice double-jab from Smith. He tries for a heavy right hook, but Beterbiev’s guard holds up. This time the right hook gets through for Smith, but he’s stung by jabs either side of that shot.

Smith is sporting a bit of blood now. It’s hard to see where the cut is – possibly around his right eye.

[14 January 2024 04:42 · Alex Pattle]

Beterbiev vs Smith LIVE: Main event

Round 4

Buddy McGirt tells Smith not to “head hunt” so much.

Nice left hook from Smith, but he’s under a lot of pressure from Beterbiev now. Each man opts for a double left hook, going from the body to the head.

Beterbiev is landing with increasing frequency now... Smith is covering up against the ropes, looking flustered and tired already... Is he in trouble?

Smith manages the odd counter shot, but Beterbiev is unfazed. Hard, short right cross from Beterbiev. Smith gets into space and fires back with a hook and a clean uppercut.

Smith wings a right hook to the body, then two left hooks to the head. Better work from him. Now a couple of straight shots by the Liverpudlian. Impressive resilience from the challenger after a tricky spoell earlier in the round...