EXCLUSIVE
‘Speed kills’ – Callum Smith’s former trainer Joe Gallagher says surprise punch could be key to victory over Artur Beterbiev
Callum Smith has been told that he must use his explosive speed if he wishes to become a two-weight world champion this weekend.
That is the view of his ex-trainer Joe Gallagher, who believes the Liverpudlian can stop knockout artist Artur Beterbiev.
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Smith, who held the WBA super-middleweight crown from 2018-2020, faces the unbeaten WBC, IBF and WBO champ in Canada on Saturday night.
He goes into the dust-up boasting a record of 29-1, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez.
As for his 38-year-old opponent, he has racked up 19 KO wins from as many fights, and is the favourite to retain his titles to set up an undisputed showdown with Russian compatriot Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev has been dropped just twice in his career - the last coming in his 2018 victory over Callum Johnson - a former stablemate of Smith.
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Speaking of the eagerly anticipated match-up on the White and Jordan show, Gallagher, who parted ways with Smith in 2021 after the Canelo loss, suggested a body shot could be how he claims victory.
He said: "[Smith] has got to rip the title away. He's got to go in there, set traps, Smith is a ferocious body puncher.
"For all the talk of the left hooks and the right hands, it could be a body punch that does Beterbiev in the end."
Pressed on what Smith needs to do to have his hand raised as the winner, Gallagher stated: "Callum's taller, I think he'll make himself smaller for this fight.
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"He will bring his head into the pocket, and Callum Smith is a very good inside fighter, his range of body punches up close - it's more the speed at which he delivers his shots more than a one single thudding shot.
"I don't think Beterviev is a quicker puncher - he's a more devastating puncher - but I always believe that speed kills.
Spencer Oliver backs Callum Smith to beat unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev
"And I think that Smith's speed early on and the volume of punches, and Callum when he hits people, he can keep them hit.
"The thing with this is, Beterbiev is open for Callum Smith's left hook, but Callum Smith is open to Beterbiev's best shot which is a right hand over the top."
Urging the 33-year-old to make a fast start, Gallagher remarked: "I do feel that Callum Smith has got a very good chance.
"But the chance will come early, and if he gets it, he will have to take it.
"This is what I feel is going to be a six-seven round shootout."
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