Callum Smith Wants To Use Mandatory Status Fight Artur Beterbiev Next
WBC light heavyweight mandatory challenger Callum “Mundo” Smith (29-1, 21KO) is looking to crash the party on the fight for undisputed between unified champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19KO) and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11KO).
When Beterbiev retained the titles after stopping WBO mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde, the boxing community’s sole focus was on undisputed next. During the post-fight interview, the unified champion called for the undisputed showdown next.
NOT SO FAST
Smith is looking to cash in on his mandatory position to fight the unified champion next. He grabbed the WBC’s #1 spot after flat-lining Mathieu Bauderlique in an eliminator in August 2022.
In November 2022, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman ordered the winner of Beterbiev vs Yarde to face the British fighter.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Mundo is ready to challenge the unified champion.
“I’ve done my part. I’ve become mandatory, so I can sit and fight for three of the belts.”
“I believe I can beat anyone on the planet. I believe I can win the belt as well […] I’m in my peak years now and the time to beat him is now [..] He’s been hurt, he’s been put over twice as a professional and he’s not invincible.”
Typically, unifications take priority over mandatories. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how this plays out as Smith doesn’t seem interested in stepping aside.
3kingsboxing.com will be all over this situation to provide further updates.
By: Bo Bland
Be the first to comment