On Saturday 13 January 2024 the first world title bouts of 2024 will take place as Beterbiev faces Smith for the Unified Light Heavyweight title. The boxing card is being promoted by Top Rank and available on ESPN + and Sky Sports.
The wait for Beterbiev vs Smith has been long, with the bout cancelled in 2023 following an injury to Beterbiev. Victory for Beterbiev will lead to another long-awaited bout as he appears likely to face WBA champion Dimitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia. Callum Smith has a litany of British challengers should he succeed, or he may take Beterbiev’s place and unify against Bivol.
The chief support for the event will see another world title contest. Maloney vs Sanchez is being fought for the WBO World Bamtamweight title. Jason Maloney (26-2) captured his title when he narrowly outpointed Vincent Astrolabio back in May 2023.
Saul Sanchez (20-2) is taking a massive step up in opposition, although he is the only person to defeat Ja’Rico O’Quinn who picked up a shock KO against Peter McGrail on the undercard of Rodriguez vs Edwards. He will enter as a heavy underdog.
There’s a further Super Middleweight title bout as Christian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock is contested for the WBC Continental Americas title. Mbilli (25-0) enters the favourite against Murdock (27-2) as he defends his belt for the sixth time. Murdock was previously defeated by Zach Parker via TKO, and has a weaker resume than the champion.
🥊Full Card 🥊
Artur Beterbiev vs Callum Smith
– IBF, WBC, WBC World Light Heavyweight title
Jason Moloney Vs Saul Sanchez
– WBO World Bantamweight title
Chistian Mbilli vs Rohan Murdock
– WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title
Imam Khataev vs Rodolfo Gomez Jr
Christopher Guerrero vs Sergio Herrera
Leila Beaudoin vs Elizabeth Espinoza
Mehmet Unal vs Dragan Lepei
Wilkens Mathieu vs TBA
Moreno Fendero vs Victor Flores
For details on how to watch Beterbiev vs Smith, click below.