As soon as referee Michael Griffin stepped in and waved things off, retirement was the first thing that ran across Callum Smith’s mind.

There’s nothing wrong with losing to Artur Beterbiev. Everyone has. But at the age of 34 and five years removed from his last championship reign, it seemed like the years of putting his body through wars had taken its toll.

Before making his decision, Smith thought long and hard. After months of thinking it through, he realized that he didn’t want his final image in a boxing ring to be a stoppage loss. But it isn't just about going out on a proper note with a cheap win, it’s about leaving the game as a champion.

A quick knockout win over Carlos Galvan late last year got his confidence in the right direction but taking on lower-level opposition wouldn’t put him in the position he’s looking for. So, this weekend in Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Smith will take on a true light heavyweight contender in Joshua Buatsi.

Smith (30-2, 22 KOs) hears the talk. He knows that he’s being counted out. Buatsi is fresher, holds an undefeated record, and appears to be on his way up. Smith, subsequently, is viewed as a fighter with one foot out the door.

If oddsmakers dictated how fights would play out, Smith wouldn’t show up. But since they don’t, he expects to steal the show.

In terms of form, Buatsi (19-0, 13 KOs) looks like he’s never been better. But even if he’s just entering his prime, he’ll have to deal with a few glaring disadvantages. When recently asked by DAZN Boxing to fill them in on what boxes are checked in his favor, Smith took the time to give them a succinct list.

“I’m bigger, stronger, more skillful.”