Eddie Hearn: “I Think You’re Gonna See Callum Smith Move Up To 175”

Callum Smith Moving Onward And Upward To Light Heavyweight

Many fighters from 160-175 campaigned to fight WBA ‘Super’/WBC World Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (54-1-2, 26 KOs) in 2020. However, former WBA ‘Super’ World Super Middleweight champion Callum Smith (27-1, 19 KOs) ended up winning the Canelo Sweepstakes as he fought Alvarez on December 19, 2020.

While Smith might have won big when it came to his wallet, he was decisively beaten by Alvarez on the night. He lost his title and was ridiculed by fans for putting up a rather uninspired effort.

Now the former 168-pound champ has to lick his wounds and is on the rebound. During an interview with iFL TV, Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn gave some insight on what could be next for Smith.

“I think you’re gonna see Callum move up to 175-pounds. He’s been at 168 for a long time. He didn’t struggle to make the weight, he’s a huge 168 and always has been. I think after a while, you look at the opportunities there now, he’s not going to look into a fight against Billy Joe Saunders now, especially if Billy Joe gets the Canelo fight.

I just think he needs to move to 175 and become a two-weight world champion. He’s had an amazing career, he’s had a great run, he’s made a lot of money.

But he still has got challenges that he wants to overcome and still has goals to achieve. I would love to see him move up to what’s an amazing 175 division.”

A PLETHORA OF CHOICES

Hearn went on to mention possible opponents for Smith at light heavyweight. This includes domestic level opponents like former world title challengers Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) and Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), as well as promising contender Joshua Buatsi (13-0, 11 KOs).

The Matchroom Boxing CEO even talked of WBA ‘Super’ World Light Heavy Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) and unified IBF/WBC 175-pound champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15) as potential foes. He even envisioned a scenario where Smith could face Buatsi in a world title fight in the next 12 months.

A REALITY CHECK

At 6’ 3” with a big frame, Smith certainly has the size to compete in the division. Also, the 30-year-old from Liverpool, England has teased the notion of moving up in weight.

He is young enough and has the skills to become a legit player at light heavyweight. There are opponents in the division for Smith to make a big fight and earn decent paydays. It looks like now more than ever, his future is at 175.

By: Michael Wilson Jr.

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