I don’t have a problem with this. Smith stopped bauderlique in a few rounds who is at world level. I see smith beating yarde but not Beterbiev
If Yarde can highlight any weaknesses at all in Beterbiev or we see that he's slowing down with age this could be the best chance Smith has of getting his hands on a belt at that weight because nobody is beating Bivol.
Smith gets crushed by anyone at the top of this weight class, he couldnt beat midget canelo hows he gonna deal with guys as big as him that can box too
Smith seems similar early in his career at LHW as he did at SMW. Great knockouts against lower oppositio but even against bauderlique he didn't look that great until he stopped him. He isn't defensively amazing, I don't think he'll get away with it against the big punchers of this division and unless he knocks someone out, I just see him losing wide decisions to the top fighters.
Smith has his punch power back at LHW. I think it he fights Beterbiev it's a 50/50. Can't see anyone beating Bivol though.
Smith is a good fighter but he absolutely hates getting hit. Against Canelo and Ryder he went into a shell as soon as they landed something decent on him. What would he be like the first time Beterbiev lands?
He definitely has good power, the counter left in particular so you can't write him off, as he is a very good finisher but he's practically had a size advantage against everyone he's fought. Just not convinced how he fights going backwards and defence is a worry. I watched the Bauderlique fight back and he got buzzed at one point and backed off. There's enough SMW performances of his, where he comes across as too one dimensional. Blackledge, Skoglund, Holzken, Reynoso (who looked like a welterweight in comparison). Even the Ryder fight - weight clearly taking its toll but still. The other fights were like 5-6 years ago. No doubt he can win and Beterbiev can be vulnerable, I just think Smith has been lucky who he's generally faced in his career. Wish him all the best still.
I think at times he's not used enough variety. I think he has the skills too and will use more variety under Buddy McGurt's tutelage. I think sometimes he lets customers open up against him so he can counter the gaps. Done that against many opponents such as Fielding. Would be risky strategy against Beterbiev, as he could end up waking up in the changing room asking what happened.
