Joe Smith Jr Maxim Vlasov Square Off April 10

Light heavyweights Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs) of Long Island, New York and Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) of Russia, will fight for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday, April 10 at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally scheduled to fight Feb. 13, Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the weigh-in, forcing a postponement.

“I am extremely motivated after all I have been though in my career,” Smith said. “I am proud of all I have accomplished, and I am confident I will bring the belt home on April 10 and move forward with my goal of unifying belts and proving I am the best light heavyweight in the world.”

“I am ready to return to the ring and become the new WBO light heavyweight world champion,” Vlasov said. “The postponement was a minor setback, but it will be worth the wait when I have that belt around my waist.”

“Joe Smith Jr. deserves this opportunity, and I know Maxim Vlasov will give him a great challenge,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light heavyweight division is one of the hottest in boxing, and the winner will have no shortage of lucrative opportunities.

In the 10-round co-feature, unbeaten heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs) will take on Brian “MVP” Howard (15-4, 12 KOs).