Beterbiev stops Smith to keep belts, stay perfect

Artur Beterbiev retained his WBC, WBO and IBF light heavyweight titles with a seventh-round TKO victory over Callum Smith on Saturday night in Quebec City, Quebec.

Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) buckled Smith with a chopping right hand before an avalanche of punches dropped the challenger. Moments later, Smith was on the canvas again following another flurry of power shots.

Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) survived the second knockdown, too, but he was in no shape to continue when trainer Buddy McGirt jumped on the ring apron to halt the bout.

With the victory — Beterbiev’s seventh championship defense — he remains boxing’s only champion with a 100% knockout ratio.

Beterbiev was ahead 58-56, 58-56 and 59-55 when the fight was stopped with one minute left in Round 7.