Thursday 14 July 2016 12:12, UK
Joe Gallagher has called for Badou Jack to defend his WBC world super-middleweight title against Callum Smith next.
Smith's trainer is hopeful a deal can be made to bring the Swedish-born American to the UK later this year. He also hopes IBF holder James DeGale diverts his attention away from a unification bout and towards old rival George Groves.
Gallagher told World Boxing News: "We're really hopeful [promoter] Eddie Hearn will pull off the Badou Jack fight for Callum Smith. There's talk of Badou Jack v James DeGale but I don't see where the money is in that fight and where will it take place.
We had the blue side of Liverpool lit up recently with the Tony Bellew night at Goodison, so it would be great to see the red side celebrating another world champion.
"We want the WBC to push through with Callum as the mandatory and don't see Jack v DeGale having the same appeal. I think DeGale would be better off fighting George Groves for a second time. That's the money fight for him and leave Jack to Callum."
Smith (20-0-KO15) was last in action back in May when he dispatched the spirited Cesar Hernan Reynoso in six rounds at Goodison Park - and Gallagher believes that test is preparation enough ahead of a world title shot.
He added: "Callum had the job on Tony Bellew's undercard as we were ready then to fight Jack next. That was supposed to be it and purse bids should be called for Jack v Smith soon, maybe August.
"If Jack v Smith and the DeGale v Groves rematch get made, the winners can then fight each other in another massive fight. It would be great October, November to bring Badou Jack to the UK.
"Obviously we had the blue side of Liverpool lit up recently with the Tony Bellew night at Goodison, so it would be great to see the red side celebrating another world champion at the end of the year. For Liverpool to have three world champions, it would be great for the city."
Jack (20-1-2-KO12) won the title from Anthony Dirrell in April 2015 and has since defended it against Groves (via split decision) and Lucian Bute (via majority decision).
