UNIFIED LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
BETERBIEV VS. SMITH
POSTPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2024
Following the announcement of the postponement of the August 19 gala featuring WBC, WBO and IBF unified light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev against British contender Callum Smith in a unification bout, Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank confirm that it will instead be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The event, which will take place at the Centre Vidéotron as originally planned, will be broadcast simultaneously on ESPN and Punching Grace.
As Artur Beterbiev's emergency dental surgery on Sunday July 30 prevents him from receiving blows to the jaw for 2 to 4 months, it was impossible for the adopted Quebecer's team to consider postponing to an earlier date. And for Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan, it was inconceivable to present the event without its headliner, preferring to postpone the gala:
"With over 6,300 tickets already sold, two weeks before the event, and considering the repercussions of cancelling, we considered the possibility of presenting the gala despite Artur's withdrawal. However, out of respect for our fans, we felt that we couldn't compromise the quality of the event, without the much-anticipated finale that people had paid for. We're very grateful and proud that Quebecers turned out in such large numbers, proving that Quebec has nothing to envy the world's greatest boxing cities."
"It's a few months later than planned, but I'm thrilled that Artur Beterbiev will have the chance to defend his titles in front of Quebec City's incredible fans," said Bob Arum, Chairman of Top Rank. Artur will be in perfect health, and I know that Callum, an extremely talented former champion, will be at his best on January 13."
Eye of the Tiger invites boxing fans from all over the province to attend one of the most decisive fights in recent years for Quebec boxing, and to support their champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) in his defense of the WBC, IBF and WBO middleweight titles against Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs). It promises to be a historic evening, and will also involve several boxers from Eye of the Tiger's stable on the undercard. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ticket holders have the option of keeping the tickets they have purchased and retaining the seats they have previously selected, or requesting a refund. Requests for refunds must be made via www.ticketmaster.ca by September 6 in order to be approved. All refund requests submitted after this deadline will be refused. If you have any questions, please contact the Centre Vidéotron box office at 1-877-658-9866 or maria@eottm.com.
For more information, follow EOTTM on Facebook and Instagram @eottm_boxing and on Twitter @eottm11 or subscribe to the #EOTTMARMY newsletter by filling out the online form.
