Callum Smith’s trainer, Buddy McGirt, says they plan on putting IBF, WBC & WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in a position tonight on January 13th, where he’ll need to adapt multiple times, going from plan A, B, C, and D.
McGirt has different game plans for Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) to keep Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) off balance and unable to fight his normal style.
Adaptability is Key
Beterbiev and his team have obviously prepared for anything Smith could do tonight, but they could struggle if he chooses to run around the ring. That would make Beterbiev’s job tougher if he had to chase Smith down to land his power shots.
Smith faces Beterbiev tonight at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
Beterbiev normally goes after his opponents, applying constant pressure and wearing them down slowly with shots to the head and body.
Expecting Beterbiev At His Best
“I’m looking at the best Beterbiev it is, and that’s where you got to take it because you know he’s going to come 1000% ready,” said Buddy McGirt to Boxing Social.
Even if Beterbiev isn’t at his best, his power will be 100%, and that’s what Smith has to worry about because he’s got a lot of body for him to target with his shots.
“I’m going to say no because I believe Beterbiev and his crew, he’s surrounded by good people, and I don’t believe they believe in putting cart,” said McGirt when asked if Beterbiev’s team are looking past Smith towards the Dmitry Bivol undisputed championship.
Early Respect, Early Disruption
“I know for a fact that we’ve got to get Beterbiev’s respect early because if you don’t, you’re in a world of trouble,” said McGirt. “Once he builds up his momentum, you’re done. So, we got to get him out of his comfort zone early.
“I know [Beterbiev’s trainers] Ramsay and Scully have a plan B and C. So, I’m not worried about that, but I know there is a plan B and C. But we want to put him in a position where he’s looking for a plan D.
“When you’re preparing for a guy like Callum and the same thing when you’re preparing for Beterbiev. You can’t prepare one way for these guys. You’ve got to be prepared for anything and everything, and that’s what we’ve done,” said Buddy.
