Tuesday 17 January 2017 12:00, UK
Trainer Joe Gallagher says Callum Smith would welcome a vacant title fight with Anthony Dirrell, but remains hopeful of a clash with Badou Jack.
Smith is the mandatory challenger for Jack’s WBC super-middleweight title and the governing body recently ordered immediate negotiations between the pair, setting a deadline of February 17 before the fight goes to purse bids.
However, following Jack’s thrilling draw with James DeGale on the weekend, ‘The Ripper’ and his promoter Floyd Mayweather insisted that the champion would be moving up to the light-heavyweight division.
That would leave the WBC title vacant for number one-rated Smith and number two-rated Dirrell to contest and Gallagher would welcome the fight.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, he said: “As it stands, the WBC has sent a letter out for Jack to defend against Smith, but Floyd [Mayweather] told us that it’s Jack’s last fight at the weight as it is killing him to cut down.
“That does seem in contrary to the weigh-in though, when Jack came a pound inside the weight, and then fought 12 high-tempo rounds with the power in the last to drop DeGale. It might be mind games as they are chasing the Adonis Stevenson fight at light heavy.
“I’m certainly not buying into them saying it’s killing Jack to make the weight.
“If he does vacate then it will go out for Smith to face Dirrell, who is a very good fighter and has only lost once. He’s a big puncher and it is a fight that could land either here in the UK or over in America - Smith welcomes the fight”
Despite the frustration following Saturday’s draw, Gallagher is happy with the options available to Smith and remains hopeful of Jack sticking around to defend his belt.
“We want the Jack fight and Floyd [Mayweather] did mention ringside that he wants to check Smith out as a challenger so it is still a possibility," Gallagher said.
“It’s frustrating for Smith because Jack has fought both [George] Groves and DeGale so he is better known to the UK fans and the fight is bigger.
“DeGale is also possibly there for the IBF strap, so don’t rule out that fight, although I think ‘Chunky’ may have a mandatory put on him now. Even so, there are definitely a few options there for Smith.”
