Joe Smith Jr. is a past World Boxing Council International Light Heavyweight regional champion. Since 2019 he has challenged for the World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight title. He was the first and only boxer to earn a stoppage victory over Bernard Hopkins. As a result, Hopkins retired after the loss. On Saturday, February 13, Smith will take on Maxim Vlasov for the World Boxing Organization World Light Heavyweight Title. Vlasov has never fought for a world championship. However, Vlasov is riding a three-bout winning streak with the Boxing odds. ESPN will televise the action from Las Vegas.
World Boxing Organization World Light Heavyweight Title
| Date and Time: | Saturday, February 13, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Location: | The Bubble, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Smith vs. Vlasov TV Coverage: | ESPN |
Joe Smith Jr. vs. Maxim Vlasov Boxing Odds
| Boxer | Odds |
|---|---|
| Joe Smith Jr | -350 |
| Maxim Vlasov | +290 |
Joe Smith Jr. vs. Maxim Vlasov SBG Odds Overview
The vacant WBO World Light Heavyweight Title will be on the line Saturday, February 13, 2021. Specifically, the Bubble, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada will be the venue. Joe Smith Jr. (26-3, 21 knockouts) will face Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 knockouts). This online wagering matchup is scheduled for 12 rounds and will be televised on ESPN.
In this situation, both fighters are highly ranked. But Smith has faced better competition and has a superior resume. Some gamblers may question Smith’s price. Thus, they will consider Vlasov as the quality underdog.
Joe Smith Jr. Record and Form
Joe Smith Jr., age 31, has a career record of 26 wins and three losses. Smith has 21 knockout wins for his career and one knockout loss. Smith is ranked fourth in the world entering this fight. He is a native of Long Island, New York, where he still resides. Smith stands at six feet tall and fights from an orthodox stance. He has won three of his last five fights, including two in a row.
The last time out for Joe Smith was on August 22, 2020, when he faced Eleider Alvarez. The venue was the Bubble, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada. Smith scored a ninth-round technical knockout win.
Previously on January 11, 2020, Smith faced Jesse Hart. The Mark G. Estess Arena, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey hosted. At stake was the World Boxing Organization NABO Light Heavyweight title. Accordingly, Smith won the fight in a 10-round split decision. He gained the advantage when Hart went down in the seventh round.
Maxim Vlasov Record and Form
Maxim Vlasov, age 34, has a career record of 45 wins and three losses with the Boxing odds. Specifically, Vlasov has 26 knockout wins and has never been knocked out in his career. Vlasov is ranked sixth in the world. He is a native of Samara, Russia, where he still resides. Vlasov stands at six feet, three, and one-half inches tall and fights from an orthodox stance.
Maxim Vlasov last stepped into the ring on November 30, 2019, when he faced Emmanuel Martey at the Yakub Koblev Sports Palace in Maykop. Vlasov scored a 10-round unanimous decision win.
Joe Smith Jr. vs. Maxim Vlasov SBG Free Pick
On this occasion, Joe Smith Jr. is the proven choice. His body of work is one that gamblers can believe in.
Smith Vlasov SBG Free Pick: Joe Smith Jr.