Is Callum Smith Up Next for a Light Heavyweight WBC Title Shot?
WBC light heavyweight top contender Callum “Mundo” Smith (29-1, 21 KO’s) has just crashed the championship match-up party! According to TalkSport, Mauricio Sulaiman has now ordered the winner between light heavyweight unified champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KO’s) and Anthony Yarde (22-2, 21 KO’s) to face Callum Smith next.
The only two champions at 175-pounds are Super WBA champ Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KO’s) and unified champion Beterbiev. Beterbiev is currently on the sidelines due to injury, but he will face Anthony Yarde upon his return.
Smith, ranked #1 (WBC), #3 (WBO) and #10 (IBF), is riding a two-fight win streak since being stopped by Canelo Alvarez on December 19, 2020. Understandably, Smith would love to inject himself in the undisputed sweepstakes. In this regard, Mundo must be thrilled about this news. On the flipside, this certainly will come as disheartening news for fans itching to see an undisputed king crowned.
NOT SO FAST
When reviewing this current situation, it becomes immediately apparent that there are numerous moving parts. First, as mentioned, Beterbiev must heal and return to the sport before fighting anyone. Also, ahead of his duel with Beterbiev, Yarde is already scheduled to test his might against Stefani Kaykov on November 19. This means the UK bruiser must both, win and emerge uninjured, or else he will find himself on the outside looking in.
Smith may be persuaded to step aside and allow the fight for undisputed to happen first. This would position him as the first challenger to the undisputed crown-holder. Alternatively, team Beterbiev could petition to allow the undisputed bout to precede the WBC mandatory defense. This still doesn’t account for the possibility of a rematch clause in the event Yarde emerges victorious.
No matter how one slices it though, the light heavyweight division is going to be receiving a great deal of attention over the next few weeks and months. Luckily, no matter how these overlapping rulings and prizefights play out, 3Kings Boxing will be here to report the news!
By: Bakari Simpson
