EDDIE Hearn has confirmed that PBC, David Benavidez’s promoter, has sent an offer regarding a potential light-heavyweight clash with Callum Smith.
Benavidez, 30-0 (24 KOs), who was elevated from interim to full WBC world champion earlier this year, has previously highlighted Smith, 31-2 (22 KOs), as a frontrunner when discussing possible opponents.
Along with ‘Mundo,’ though, fellow British contender Anthony Yarde emerged as a viable option soon after, creating a somewhat confusing triangle involving the three names at 175lbs.
But now, it would appear that Smith is, in fact, the most likely dance partner for the American, with his promoter, Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn, expressing a degree of optimism.
The 35-year-old revitalised his career back in February, emerging from his thrilling encounter against Joshua Buatsi with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory.
To accompany that, the former world champion earned himself a WBO interim strap, occupying the leading position to face the winner of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev’s expected trilogy showdown.
While a date is yet to be announced, Bivol – who swerved a dustup with Benavidez to pursue a third fight against Beterbiev instead – is nonetheless set to put his undisputed crown on the line later this year.
As for Benavidez, a convincing points victory over David Morrell in February saw him solidify his status – after moving up from 168lbs – as a formidable light-heavyweight operator.
And while he has teased a potential move up to cruiserweight, the 28-year-old remains equally eager to make at least one defence of his green and gold strap.
Seemingly, that opportunity – more than likely to take place in Las Vegas – will soon be seized by Smith.
“We’ve had an offer from PBC for Callum Smith to fight Benavidez,” Hearn told FightHype, among other media outlets. “We’re negotiating with them at the moment.”
“There is a very good chance that Callum will take that fight against Benavidez, and we’ll be making our decision over the next one or two weeks.”
