Best prop bets for Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith: Predictions & top selections for 2024 boxing fight

Callum Smith moves from super middleweight to challenge Artur Beterbiev for the IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight titles on January 13 at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City. The fight airs on ESPN+ in the U.S.

Beterbiev has held world light heavyweight gold since 2017, when he won the IBF title. He won the WBC belt in 2019 and the WBO belt in 2022. The Russian with Canadian citizenship looks to fight Dmitry Bivol in 2024 in an undisputed light heavyweight title fight.

A silver medalist in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Smith turned pro in 2012. He won the WBA super middleweight title in 2018. “Mundo” lost the belt against Canelo Alvarez in 2020 and has since gone 2-0 at light heavyweight. He looks to conquer a new division by taking down the unbeaten Beterbiev.

Per Bet MGM, Beterbiev is the -450 favorite, while Smith is the +333 underdog. Like most of Beterbiev’s opponents, Smith attempts to defy the odds and take down the knockout artist. Can he get the job done, or will Beterbiev smash his way to victory?

The Sporting News looks at some unique and worthy prop bets that favor both fighters.

Prop bets for Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith

1. Will the fight go the full 12 Rounds? (No: -275 per Bet MGM)

Given the history and heavy-hitting nature of both, it is fair to assume this light-heavyweight title fight won’t go the distance. 

Beterbiev has a 100% knockout-to-win ratio, while 21 of Smith’s 29 wins have come via the power punch. Nine wins for the latter have gone the distance, with his last one in 2020 against Canelo. Before that, he went the full twelve rounds against John Ryder. It is rare for his fights to consistently last long, which bodes well for this prop bet. 

It might be the easiest play at -275, regardless of the winner. 

2. When will the fight be won? Round Group Betting 3 (12 Rounds) (Rounds 5-8: +200 per Bet MGM)

The contest between Beterbiev and Smith will either end right as it begins, or it can expect to be a firefight. The Sporting News believes it will be the latter. 

On average, Beterbiev’s fights end around rounds five to ten. His last fight against Anthony Yarde lasted until round eight. Enrico Koelling is the only fighter to make it to round twelve, while Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Adam Deines made it to round ten. That is after being knocked down. Smith’s last two fights ended between rounds two and four. In the late 2010s, several fights ended between rounds six and ten.

Smith will be wary of Beterbiev’s power and look to hurt him. Beterbiev will try his best to outmuscle Smith but could tire himself out. It would be a massive upset if the fight went the distance. For now, a game of chess could result in a late win by either fighter. 

3. Down but Not Out: Callum Smith to win after being knocked down (+1200 per Bet MGM)

Beterbiev has taken his opponent down eight times in his last six fights. Some have continued after getting dropped, while others have had to exit the contest and live to fight another day. Smith hasn’t gotten put down, but others have outworked him in the past. Can he survive several barreling shots from Beterbiev? 

The Sporting News’ Tom Gray sees Smith getting the win. Smith, 33, is a solid counterpuncher with a hook that can rock the chin of any opponent. If he can survive a shot from Beterbiev, he may be able to use his superb defensive skills against the aggressive Russian.

It may be enough to dethrone the champion.