Callum Smith got another top win on his resume on Saturday as he defeated Joshua Buatsi in Saudi Arabia.
Smith vs Buatsi was hailed by fans as one of the fights of the year, with both men having success in an enthralling battle.
Winning the bout on points, Smith was able to secure the WBO Interim World Light Heavyweight title, dethroning his fellow countryman.
‘Mundo’s’ last title fight in the division was versus Artur Beterbiev, who tasted defeat for the first time in his career later in the night.
Now, Smith may look to become a world champion in a second weight division as he can build on his win over Buatsi. Following the impressive performance, there are plenty of options for the fighter from Liverpool.
Dmitry Bivol
Winning the WBO Interim World Light Heavyweight title, Smith has made a good case for himself to compete for the full title, which is currently held by Dmitry Bivol.
Bivol became a unified champion on Saturday night as he got his revenge on Beterbiev via a majority decision.
Now holding all the belts in the division, Smith will have to look to the Russian should he want to become a two-weight world champion.
However, fans are calling for a trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev, meaning that ‘Mundo’ may have to wait for a shot at the champion. However, he is certainly among the top contenders for a title opportunity.
David Benavidez
Smith is not the only interim titleholder in the light heavyweight division. After a recent defense of the title versus David Morrell, David Benavidez is the holder of the WBC Interim World Light Heavyweight belt.
Despite Benavidez also looking for a chance to become world champion of the division, both he and Smith may be forced to wait if Bivol and Beterbiev have a rubber match.
Should the pair have a trilogy, a fight between Benavidez and Smith could determine who is the more deserving of a shot at undisputed glory.
Artur Beterbiev
Beterbiev was dealt his first professional loss on Saturday night when he was bested by Bivol.
Although a trilogy seems very possible, either Beterbiev or Bivol may look to other opponents before a third meeting. Should the Canadian-Russian wish to face someone else before facing the man who bested him, a rematch with Smith could be an option.
Despite finishing Smith via TKO, Beterbiev was caused to perform at his highest level versus ‘Mundo’.
Should Benavidez get the chance to take on Bivol, Betebiev vs Smith could be a very viable option.
David Morrell
Another name that Smith could look to at the top of the light heavyweight division is Morrell.
Although Morrell was dealt his first career loss by Benavidez, he is still considered one of the big players of the division. Considering Benavidez has a defense of his interim title, Smith could look to do the same to stake his claim at an undisputed opportunity. A win over Morrell could help to cement Smith’s position as a number one contender at light heavyweight while making for an entertaining fight.
Anthony Yarde
British light heavyweight Anthony Yarde had been eyeing Buatsi as a future opponent, should he have gotten past Smith. However, ‘Mundo’ may have spoiled Yarde’s plans.
Instead, a fight between Smith and Yarde could be a viable option.
With both men having their last losses come to Beterbiev, the two could headline an event in their home country of England.
Yarde’s last win was over Ralfs Vilcans in October and is looking to continue his rise in the light heavyweight division, with Smith potentially offering him a chance to prove himself as a contender.