Light-heavyweight contenders Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde have not yet finalized an agreement for a fight, even as WBC world champion David Benavidez is still seeking his next opponent.
Recent weeks have seen increasing speculation about a possible domestic showdown between the two British boxers, with some reports suggesting it could take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later this year in August.
However, while this intriguing pairing is reportedly under consideration, sources indicate that both camps are still significantly far from reaching a definitive deal.
Among the two, Smith, holding a record of 31 wins and 2 losses with 22 knockouts, largely cemented his status as a primary challenger in the 175lb division after securing a unanimous decision victory over Joshua Buatsi in February.
Despite being considered a slight underdog heading into the bout, the former world champion ultimately outlasted his previously undefeated rival in a demanding 12-round battle.
In securing that win, `Mundo` claimed Buatsi`s WBO interim title. However, due to a planned trilogy fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev scheduled for later in the year, Smith will need to wait longer for his mandatory title shot to be enforced.
Potential Benavidez vs. Smith Matchup?
David Benavidez, with a perfect record of 30 wins, no losses, and 24 knockouts, presents another potential option for Smith. Benavidez was recently elevated from interim to full WBC champion and is actively looking for a fighter to face.
Yet, while a fight against Benavidez could offer Smith a second opportunity to challenge for a world title at light-heavyweight, it appears that Anthony Yarde, whose record stands at 27 wins and 3 losses with 24 knockouts, has emerged as a potentially more probable opponent.
The 33-year-old Yarde is coming off an uninspired points victory over Lyndon Arthur, following a series of less significant contests after his stoppage defeat to Beterbiev in 2023.
Nevertheless, a clash between Smith and Yarde maintains considerable appeal, and Matchroom Boxing`s Frank Smith, who promotes Callum Smith, highlighted the matchup as a viable possibility.
“I don`t think anything`s done yet,” Matchroom CEO Smith stated. “But that`s a fight that has been spoken about, a lot. It could definitely make sense.”
He added, “There`s also been talk about a Callum Smith-David Benavidez fight previously, so let`s see how things play out.”
