Dmitry Bivol will defend his Light Heavyweight World Boxing Association (WBA) championship against Joe Smith Jr. this Saturday. The Russian will enter the ring at the well known venue of the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, to put his belt on the line against the American, in what will be the fourth defense of his black and gold belt.

Bivol has represented the organism as champion since 2016, but it was in 2017 when he got the absolute belt of the division. So far he has defeated Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba and Jean Pascal to complete three successful defenses of that belt.

For his part, Smith will be in his first fight for a world championship and will arrive with the intention of obtaining it against the fearsome Russian champion. The Long Island native will be at home and has in his resume good rivals such as Bernard Hopkins and Sullivan Barrera.

This week all pre-combat activities will be carried out, including public trainings, the press conference, and the weigh-in ceremony.

Bivol has a record of 15 wins, no losses,and 11 knockouts, while Smith has a record of 24 wins, 2 losses, and 20 wins via knockout.