In an electric night of boxing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Callum Smith clinched the WBO interim light-heavyweight title after overcoming Joshua Buatsi in an exciting bout. Smith's victory came through a unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 119-110, 115-113, and 116-112 in his favor. This marks a significant achievement for Smith, as his body-punching approach dictated the pace and control of the fight throughout those nail-biting 12 rounds.
The fight was intense, with Smith employing a focused strategy that involved relentless attacks to Buatsi's body. Particularly during rounds five and six, Smith's powerful combinations left Buatsi in trouble. Despite this early setback, Buatsi showcased resilience, fighting back and applying pressure in the latter stages of the fight. However, his late-round efforts weren’t enough to overturn the early advantage that Smith had built up.
Promoter Benavidez Sr. hinted at the prospect of Callum Smith facing off against David Benavidez Jr. in future bouts. The victory not only enhances Smith's profile but also cements his position as a top contender for upcoming world title opportunities.
Bivol's Moment of Redemption
In the highly anticipated main event, Dmitry Bivol avenged his loss to Artur Beterbiev, capturing the prestigious undisputed light-heavyweight championship. The clash lived up to its expectations, providing fans with a thrilling rematch filled with strategic exchanges and dramatic moments.
Bivol's triumph marked a huge turning point in his career, achieving what many had eagerly awaited since his initial encounter with Beterbiev. The rematch showcased both fighters' technical prowess and tenacity, with Bivol coming out on top in the end, solidifying his dominance in the light-heavyweight division.
This memorable double-header in Saudi Arabia has set the stage for potential future encounters and promises an exciting chapter for both Smith and Bivol in the boxing world. The buzz around their accomplishments signifies not just personal victories, but significant milestones in their respective careers.
