Artur Beterbiev Extends Unbeaten KO Streak with Knockout of Joe Smith Jr.
Artur Beterbiev, the formidable Russian light heavyweight, added another chapter to his remarkable record by stopping Joe Smith Jr. in the second round. The win solidifies Beterbiev’s position as one of boxing’s most feared punchers and keeps his undefeated KO streak intact at 18-0, with all of his victories coming by knockout. The 37-year-old champion defended the WBC and IBF belts while also adding the WBO title to his collection, underscoring his dominance across the sport’s major sanctioning bodies.
Smith Jr. entered the ring with a sizable 32-fight career behind him, boasting 28 victories and four losses. Despite the heavy expectation on his side, Beterbiev demonstrated why he is regarded as elite, delivering power and precision that left his opponent unable to continue before the bell of the second round. The outcome added another highlight to a career defined by their destructive efficiency and relentless pressure, signaling a continued march toward lofty ambitions in the division.
The pre-fight chatter had centered on potential future matchups, including a possible showdown with fellow Russian contender Dmitry Bivol. After Beterbiev’s latest triumph, discussions intensified around how the landscape might shift if such a cross-border clash materializes, given both fighters’ credentials and the high-stakes nature of their ambitions on the global stage. The boxing world watched closely as fans and pundits weighed the implications for the sport’s most hallowed titles.
In May, another prominent title defense drew attention when Bivol defended his belt in a tightly contested match that went the full 12 rounds against Saul Alvarez. The bout concluded with a unanimous decision in favor of Bivol, the 31-year-old Russian star, marking his third successful defense of the super world title under the umbrella of the World Boxing Association. That result reinforced the strength of the current generation at the top end of the sport and set the stage for intriguing future matchups that fans around Canada and the United States are eagerly anticipating.
As the boxing calendar continues, Beterbiev’s latest victory adds a decisive entry to a career characterized by explosive power and surgical accuracy. Analysts note his ability to maintain control from the opening bell, sustain relentless tempo, and finish with brutal efficiency—a combination that makes him a perennial favorite in any match-up and a constant threat to every challenger who steps into the ring. His ascent illustrates how a fighter can meld discipline, timing, and raw physical talent to redefine the upper limits of the sport.