Boxing
Joe Smith is a big believer in his own power as he gets ready for Artur Beterbiev test
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Joe Smith is adamant that he can hurt Artur Beterbiev when they clash for light-heavyweight glory on Saturday night in New York.
The Long Island veteran, a fighter who has come up the hard way, starts this weekend’s unification battle a significant underdog, but he’s confident that his heavy hands can lead him to victory.
After receiving a wealth of recognition after sending Bernard Hopkins into retirement in 2016, Smith’s march to the top was derailed when he endured losses against Sullivan Barrera and Dmitry Bivol.
He finally became world champion by beating Maxim Vlasov last year, but now he needs to find another gear against the menacing Beterbiev.
"I believe if I get Beterbiev in that position, I'll get him out of there. I'm a good finisher," said Smith when speaking to Sky Sports.
"It's not my gameplan but if it presents itself and it's there, I'm going to do it. I know there's a lot of people out there who believe in me. There's people that believe in him. We've just got to get in there on Saturday and see what's going to happen.
"I possess more determination and heart and power. This would definitely be the sweetest victory of all if I could pull it off Saturday. There's three world championships on the line, Beterbiev's an undefeated man with an 100% knockout ratio, if I beat him, it's just huge."
