Beterbiev – Smith and Mbilli vs Murdock will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. PT/7 p.m. PT
| Date | Saturday, January 13, 2024 |
| Start Time | 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. UK |
| Venue | Videotron Centre, Quebec City, Canada |
| U.S. Broadcast Channel | Live on ESPN+ |
| U.K. Broadcast Channel | Sky Sports |
| Fighters | Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith |
On January 13, 2024, the Videotron Centre in Quebec City transforms into a coliseum of combat, hosting the eagerly awaited faceoff between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith. The action kicks off at 10 p.m. ET (or for our friends across the pond, 3 a.m. UK time).
For those who can’t wait for the main event, the appetizers, aka the prelims, start rolling at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN. It’s shaping up to be a night where leather meets chin with potentially sleep-inducing consequences!
ESPN+ is streaming live for the U.S. audience and on Sky Sports for the Brits.
Artur Beterbiev, a Canadian powerhouse with a birthdate of January 21, 1985, stands at a robust 5′ 11.5″. With a reach of 73 inches and a spotless record of 19-0, all ending in knockouts, he’s a walking highlight reel. Across the ring, Callum Smith, the British bulldozer born on April 23, 1990, towers at 6′ 3″, boasting a 78-inch reach. His record? An impressive 29-1, with 21 KOs.
The undercard is a buffet of brawls, featuring names like Jason Moloney, Saul Sanchez, Christian Mbilli, and many more.
Artur Beterbiev, the WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight champ, will defend his crown against the former world champion, Callum Smith Saturday, January 13th at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada, after dental surgery necessitated the postponement of the initially scheduled August 19th fight.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum: “It’s a few months later than originally planned, but I am thrilled that Artur Beterbiev will have a chance to defend his titles in front of the incredible Quebec City fans.” Assured of Beterbiev’s full recovery and Callum Smith’s proven ability, he expects an intense fight on January 13th.
Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan shared the enthusiasm, declaring, “I’m very pleased that the camps came to an agreement quickly, so we can go ahead with this light heavyweight championship super fight.”
Beterbiev’s boxing credentials are nothing short of awe-inspiring. A 19-0 record, 19 knockouts, and seven successful title defenses since seizing the IBF title in November 2017 speak to his talent. His last fight was an eighth-round TKO victory over Anthony Yarde in London. Smith’s record is also impressive, standing at 29-1 with 21 KOs. The former Ring Magazine and WBA super middleweight world champion, he’s riding a two-fight winning streak since transitioning to light heavyweight after a loss to Canelo Alvarez in December 2020.
Undercard
Explosive super middleweight sensation Christian Mbilli is set to defend his WBC Continental Americas and WBA International super middleweight crowns against the sturdy Australian challenger, Rohan Murdock, on the electrifying night of Saturday, January 13, at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. This high-voltage fight will light up the night as the precursor to Artur Beterbiev’s triple-threat defense of his WBO/WBC/IBF light heavyweight global titles against the seasoned former champion, Callum Smith.
Mbilli’s previous knockouts against adversaries like Nadjib Mohammedi, Carlos Gongora, and Demond Nicholson have propelled his name into global recognition, securing his spot as the #1 challenger in the WBC, #2 in the WBA, and a noteworthy #3 in the IBF. However, even with such impressive credentials, Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs) confronts the bottleneck orchestrated by the undisputed world champion, Canelo Alvarez, in the super middleweight division.
“Rohan Murdock stands out as a top-contender, bearing a fighting style distinct from those I’ve recently put behind me,” Mbilli asserted. “This fight is not just about victory; it’s about captivating new admirers ahead of my inevitable coronation as a world champion. The anticipation is building, and I’m eager to set foot in Quebec this January 13 and give the audience a performance they won’t soon forget!”
Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs) has been riding a wave of triumphs, having secured three consecutive victories following a TKO loss to Zach Parker. His latest win was a nail-biter against Isaac Hardman in March, a victory that earned him the IBF Australasian super middleweight strap.
“I’m thrilled for this shot and ready for whatever comes my way,” Murdock shared with determined excitement. “I’ve battled in hostile environments before and have taken those experiences to heart. I understand what’s required to clinch a win at this intense level, and come January 13, I plan to have my hand raised in triumph.”
More undercard fights ready to be unveiled in the weeks leading up to this make-or-break event. Boxing enthusiasts can secure their seats to this thrilling spectacle now by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca.
Broadcasted across ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and 7 p.m. Pacific Time:
- Artur Beterbiev tips the scales at 175 lbs, facing off against Callum Smith at 174.6 lbs for the WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles in a 12-round bout.
Earlier in the evening on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET and 2:30 p.m. PT:
- Christian Mbilli weighing 167.3 lbs squares up with Rohan Murdock at 167.6 lbs, defending his WBC Continental Americas & WBA International Super Middleweight Titles over 10 rounds.
- At the bantamweight level, Jason Moloney at 117.5 lbs battles Saul Sanchez who weighs in at 117.8 lbs for the WBO Bantamweight World Title, set for 12 rounds.
- Light heavyweight action sees Imam Khataev at 174.6 lbs go head-to-head with Michal Ludwiczak at 178.6 lbs for a 10-round match.
- Leila Beaudoin steps onto the scales at 129.9 lbs, while Elizabeth Espinoza registers 128.6 lbs for their Junior Lightweight fight scheduled for 8 rounds.
- Wilkens Mathieu, weighing in at 168.8 lbs, competes against Jose Arias Alvarez at 167.7 lbs in the Super Middleweight division for a 6-round fight.
- Mehmet Ünal at 177.8 lbs and Dragan Lepei at 177.7 lbs face off in the Light Heavyweight division over 8 rounds.
- Welterweights Christopher Guerrero and Sergio Herrera are almost identical in weight at 149.5 lbs and 149.6 lbs, respectively, for their 8-round bout.
- And in the middleweight ring, Moreno Fendero at 162.8 lbs goes toe-to-toe with Victor Hugo Flores at 162.3 lbs for a 4-round scuffle.