British fighter would 'relish' clash with newly crowned world champion says Stephen Smith

This decision to vacate the WBC light heavyweight title will allow Bivol to pursue a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev after the pair have produced two thrilling battles over the past six months.

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With Bivol and Beterbiev having one win apiece, a third fight is needed in order to settle the debate when it comes to finding out the number one boxer at 175lbs. 

As a result, David Benavidez, who was the interim WBC champion, has been upgraded to full champion and is hoping to land some big fights of his own. 

One name which could be in the running is Callum Smith. He is the current WBO interim light heavyweight champion after beating Joshua Buatsi on the undercard of Bivol's rematch with Beterbiev in February. 

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With an interim belt around his waist, Smith will be on the hunt for the big names and a clash with Benavidez would be "massive" according to his brother Stephen. 

"It’s massive. I know David Benavidez has a fan friendly style and Callum likes Benavidez’s style too. It’s a fight he believes he can win and stylistically it’s a good match up for him," Smith told Betway. 

"The way David throws punches and combinations, you have to have your wits about you all of the time so it’s a fight Callum would relish. The chances of it happening are becoming more likely and it’s music to his ears."

After being avoided for so long at super middleweight by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Benavidez made the move to light heavyweight last June when he beat Oleksandr Gvozdyk and then David Morrell in a heated encounter eight months later. 

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Following previous clashes with Alvarez and Beterbiev, a fight with Benavidez will be another tough task for Callum Smith and his brother Stephen explained what 'Mundo' needs to do if he were to topple the American. 

"Callum has to be sharp to win the fight. He must make sure that when David Benavidez gets on top and lets his hands go that he can counter the way he can do," Smith added. 

"It’s a good clash of styles and the styles will gel well. It’s a great fight but one Callum can box at range and let his shots go when picking his moments."

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