Artur Bertebiev (18-0, 18 KOs) showed no mercy to Joe Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) and demolished him in just two rounds to unify the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation semi-complete titles held by him along with the World Boxing Organization title held by his rival.
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden was the silent witness to Berterbiev’s beating of Smith.
Smith started more aggressive in the first round, went on top of his opponent, threw all kinds of combinations, but his opponent was patient let Joe spend his energy and surprised them with a hook that made Smith put his knee on the canvas.
Beterbiev smelled blood in the second round, he stepped up the offensive, another hook sent Smith to the ground, he stood up, but only to receive an arsenal of punches that sent him back to the canvas, it was then that the referee saw him in bad condition and decided to end the ordeal of Smith, who until this fight had never visited the floor.
With the win Berterbiev is WBO, WBC and IBF light heavyweight champion, only missing the WBA belt held by Dmitry Bivol.
Ramirez knocked out Nova
In the evening’s co-main event, Olympic medalist Robeisy Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs) knocked out Abraham Nova (21-1, 15 KOs) in five rounds to win the World Boxing Organization USBA title.
In the fifth round, Ramirez landed a straight left to Nova, who fell to the canvas fainting after 2:20 minutes.
Other results
Bruce Carrington def. Adrian Leyva by TKO at 3:00 of Round 5
Jahi Tucker def. D’Andre Smith by TKO at 2:27 of Round 4
Floyd Diaz def. Daniil Platonovschi by unanimous decision (59-55, 60-54, 60-54)
Troy Isley def. Donte Stubbs by TKO at :38 of Round 6
Wendy Toussaint def. Asinia Byfield by unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 79-73)
Jahyae Brown def. Keane McMahon by unanimous decision (58-56, 58-56, 60-54)
Marca
