Is Callum Smith on the verge of leaving Matchroom?
In the minds of some boxing analysts, WBSS super middleweight and WBA “Super” world super middleweight champion Callum Smith is the best fighter in the division. Since defeating George Groves to win those titles in September 2018, Smith has largely been inactive. His last match was a third round stoppage win over Hassan N’Dam in June 2018.
Currently promoted by Matchroom, Smith has become frustrated over his recent period of inactivity. Is he considering leaving Matchroom for a new promoter?
According to Smith’s manager Joe Gallagher, he is contemplating promotional offers he recently received from rival US-based promoters.
“Callum has a few lucrative offers on the table. He is considering them because they could lead to big fights. His head has been turned. We’re now waiting to see what Eddie can offer Callum. Callum wants big-name US-based fighters like Sergey Kovalev, Canelo, David Benavidez and Caleb Plant.”
Gallagher also alleges there is currently an offer on the table from Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn for a fight in the Fall. Per the offer, Smith would headline a card at Liverpool Stadium in his hometown of Liverpool, England.
EDDIE HEARN RESPONDS
When asked about the future of Smith by Sky Sports, Hearn said his plan is to have the champion return to the ring in October. Following that, he intends a “huge fight” in the Spring of 2020.
“Obviously in signing Billy Joe Saunders we have the perfect opponent for a huge domestic fight, but Callum is also in the mix for all the big names on DAZN including Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.”
Saunders, the current WBO super middleweight champion, recently split with Frank Warren to sign with DAZN. This creates an opportunity for a Smith – Saunders unification bout. As 3KingsBoxing reported previously, there were negotiations for a bout between the two earlier this year, but Smith turned down the offer because it wasn’t lucrative enough.
Could we now see negotiations pick up once again for a bout with Saunders for next year or will Smith move on to what he sees are greener pastures with another promoter?
Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for all the news on this developing situation.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
