Videos: Artur Beterbiev Stops Joe Smith Jr. in 2nd Round
It just took Artur Beterbiev 5 minutes to stop Joe Smith Jr.
IBF and WBC Light Heavyweight champion Beterbiev clashed with WBO 175 lbs titleholder Smith Jr. in the main event of Top Rank’s card at Hulu Theater on June 18.
After both men tested each other with big shots early on, Beterbiev started landing his big shots. He ended up dropping Smith with a quick hook after dodging a jab. This was the first time in his career that Smith was dropped. Smith was clearly disturbed by that knockdown in the second round. Beterbiev went on to drop him again with a hook after they traded some blow.
Beterbiev landed a flurry of shots to drop Smith for the third time. Smith beat the referee’s count but it looked like the fight would stop at any minute. Beterbiev battered him with more shots and the referee stepped in to close the bout. The official decision announced that Artur Beterbiev stopped at 2:19 in the second round and is now a three-belts champion.
Watch the complete highlights from the fight below.
