Callum Smith provides positive update on David Benavidez negotiations

Callum Smith believes progress is being made behind the scenes as promoter Eddie Hearn continues to work around the clock to secure the Liverpudlian a world title opportunity against David Benavidez.

Former super-middleweight king Smith is in possession of the 'interim' WBO light-heavyweight belt after producing a sensational performance to overcome domestic rival Joshua Buatsi last time out.

That victory has provided the 35-year-old with a springboard to challenge the Mexican for his full world title, with both parties seemingly keen to make the fight happen.

However, despite prolonged negotiations, there has still been no confirmed breakthrough in talks, with Benavidez's initial financial offer being described as 'derisory' by Smith's representatives.

Dialogue has continued since then though, with the British fighter positive that a resolution can be reached for the pair to lock-horns in what would be a blockbuster dust-up at the tail end of 2025.

"Everyone appears to be on the same page, it appears as though all parties want to make this fight happen - it makes sense for both of us," Smith told Boxing News.

Where and when and all of the financials obviously have to be right for both of us, but in terms of the fight itself, he's said he wants to fight me and I've said many times that I'd love to fight him.

- Callum Smith (Boxing News)

"It should be simple to make, but in boxing, things are never as straightforward as they may seem.

"The first offer wasn't quite right, but talks are ongoing - I have a good team behind me and he has a good team behind him, so hopefully they can all make ends meet and get it over the line."

Smith's elevated position in the 175lbs rankings means he would be eligible for a shot at unified title-holder Dmitry Bivol, but given the Kyrgyzstani is expected to undertake a trilogy clash with Artur Beterbiev, Benavidez is, for now, the Liverpudlian's only alternative route to world championship gold.

"I have said numerous times that I want to become world champion again and all of the other titles are tied up in the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, which isn't official yet, but I believe is going to happen," he added.

"My options are to either sit and wait in the meantime or challenge for the other belt, which David Benavidez holds, and my goal is to become a world champion.

"I don't want to sit around and wait, I want to challenge the very best in the world and Benavidez is the man I want, and have wanted for quite some time now.

"It's a fight that should have already happened but didn't, and it's a fight that if I was to retire tomorrow, it would be the one I'd look back at and say 'it should have happened'.

"Stylistically, it's a good fight - I like him as a fighter and as a person, inside and out of the ring he is good for the sport, but make no mistake, I want to fight him and I want to beat him."

Mark Mothershaw

• Matchroom
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