In a little less than two full rounds, Artur Beterbiev threw 102 punches and landed 48 of them (47%) on Joe Smith. In the power punch category, Beterbiev threw 63 and landed 34 (54%).
Hulu Theater, Madison Square Garden, New York – For the IBF, WBC, WBO light heavyweight titles, Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) demolished Joe Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) in two rounds.
Smith, who prior to the fight had never been down, was dropped three times in the fight.
At the start of the first, both were testing the waters with big shots. Beterbiev was moving more often than usual and Smith was jabbing a lot. Beterbiev was landing some clubbing shots on Smith and he was feeling the power. At the end of the round, quick hook dropped Smith to a knee.
In the second, they were trading heavy punches and Smith was dropped by a big hook and he was in trouble. Beterbiev landed a series of punches to drop Smith for a third time. Smith once again beat the count, with Beterbiev battering him with punches until the referee jumped in to wave off the fight.