David Benavidez happy to give Callum Smith light-heavyweight world title opportunity, says Jose Benavidez Sr

Callum Smith's hopes of facing WBC light-heavyweight champion of the world David Benavidez have been boosted by Jose Benavidez Sr's claims that his son is happy and ready to take on the Liverpudlian this year.

Talks have reportedly taken place between representatives of the pair over the past few weeks, but as of yet, not agreement has been reached.

Benavidez has long been mooted as a potential opponent for Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, but with the pair expected to face each other in a hugely-anticipated trilogy bout later this year, the 28-year-old will likely have to continue to wait for his undisputed opportunity.

In fact, Bivol's decision to undertake a third fight with Beterbiev as opposed to facing Benavidez meant he was forced to surrender his WBC title which the Mexican, of course, is now in possession of.

To add further intrigue to the light-heavyweight narrative, Smith's underdog victory over Joshua Buatsi last time out secured him the WBO's 'interim' light-heavyweight title, meaning the Matchroom star is mandatory for a shot at Bivol's full belt.

Defeat in a proposed encounter with Benavidez would result in the British star losing his position at the top of the pecking order, although it appears as though it's a risk he is willing to take.

Speaking to Boxing News, Benavidez Sr said: "Like I said before, we are down for this fight and we want to make it happen.

Callum Smith should fight David Benavidez now because he won a small title - the WBC 'interim' title so he deserved this opportunity.

- Jose Benavidez Sr (Boxing News)

"We are here to give him the opportunity to fight for a world title, and we know he wants to fight for the world title, so it's a fight that can be made.

"If Bivol or Beterbiev doesn't want to fight David then we would love to fight Callum Smith."

Benavidez, who has won all 30 of his professional fights to date, has long sought after a showdown with fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez, even calling out the pound-for-pound star on multiple occasions.

A clash between the pair has so far failed to materialise though, although Jose Benavidez Sr is hoping his son can still lure the multi-weight world champion into the ring.

"There is another fight out there for David against William Scull, who Canelo fought recently," he added.

"We feel David can beat him, stop him and look far more convincing than Canelo did - so maybe we could do that, a fantasy fight at a catchweight or something like that.

"It would be a great opportunity to show everyone that David is on a different level (to Canelo)."

Mark Mothershaw

• Matchroom
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