ARTUR BETERBIEV defeated Joe Smith Jr in TWO rounds to win the WBO title.
Now, the world champion light heavyweight is expected to go toe-to–toe with Anthony Yarde, a London fighter, in October.
Beterbiev, 37 years old, has an impressive 18-0 record all thanks to knockout.
After two knockdowns, the 32-year old American was left reeling by two left-hand blows and a right-hand uppercut.
Russian-born Canadian, he added the WBO belts to his WBC title and IBF title.
This opens up the possibility of a unification fight between Dmitry Bivol, WBA champion, and this would be for the undisputed title of light heavyweight.
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Yarde was at Madison Square Garden ringside to see Smith pass Beterbiev.
Yarde spoke to the media after the fight and was asked if it would be possible for him to step aside money so that the victor's unification bout against Bivol could go ahead.
Yarde stated that it was unlikely at this point. We are going to make it happen. Beterbiev will be coming to London.
"I believe it's going be very exciting, that's what I'm in this sport for.
SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGS"It's a lot, but I have the opportunity to make a lasting legacy.
"Money is finite, but the legacy lasts forever."
"The preparations will start intensely as soon I return to London.
"I'll shock many people." I'm quite confident."
Yarde's record includes 22 wins and 2 losses. His most recent victory was against Lyndon Arthur, a fellow Brit.
Arthur got his revenge a year later after losing to him last December with a knockout.
Yarde would fight Beterbiev for the potential world title after losing his first fight against Sergey Kovalev in 2003.
Beterbiev's punching impressed the Hackney light heavyweight, but he gave an insight into what to expect.
Yarde said, "He showed what is he - very strong.
Beterbiev won because Smith's tactics were too reliant on Smith. He could have entered with more confidence, more jabs, and more footwork.
"The key to beating Beterbiev's is to be sharper and faster, more intelligent, and we'll see what happens on fight night.
"He's a heavy-hitter, but he was swinging shots above the limit," I observed today.
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"As you have seen in boxing, the punch that hurts most is the one you don't see."
"They both looked slow to me."
