Callum Smith Eyes Blockbuster Showdown With David Benavidez

Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) has put himself back in the mix for major fights after a sensational victory over Joshua Buatsi in Saudi Arabia. The bout, which took place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, was a brutal and hard-fought contest that pushed both men to their limits.

Smith, the former WBA super-middleweight champion, showcased his grit, power, and resilience, overcoming Buatsi’s relentless pressure to secure a crucial win. Many considered the fight a potential “Fight of the Year” contender, with both fighters displaying incredible heart and determination. After the fight, Smith wasted no time in calling out one of the division’s most dangerous contenders—David Benavidez.

A Clash of Powerhouses

With his victory over Buatsi, Smith has turned his attention to a high-profile showdown with David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs). The Mexican-American has long been regarded as one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, boasting explosive power, relentless aggression, and a perfect professional record.

Benavidez, a former two-time WBC super-middleweight champion, recently made his light-heavyweight debut with a dominant win, proving that his power and speed translate well to the new division. A fight between Smith and Benavidez would be a fascinating clash of styles—Smith’s measured approach, height, and reach against Benavidez’s relentless offensive pressure. Promoters are already eyeing the potential bout as a major attraction, with discussions rumored to be in progress. For Smith, the fight represents a massive opportunity to position himself for another world title shot, while Benavidez sees it as a way to cement his status as a true force at 175 pounds.

World Title Implications: The Road to Championship Gold
Both Smith and Benavidez have their eyes on the ultimate prize—becoming a world champion at light-heavyweight. The division is currently dominated by unified champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, who are expected to clash again in a highly anticipated rematch. With the title picture still unclear, contenders like Smith and Benavidez are eager to make their cases for a shot at the belts.Smith, having previously fallen short in his attempt to dethrone Beterbiev, is eager for redemption and sees a win over Benavidez as a direct pathway back to title contention. Meanwhile, Benavidez is determined to prove that he belongs among the elite at 175 pounds and has expressed confidence in his ability to defeat the division’s best.A victory for either man in this potential clash would place them at the forefront of the title conversation, setting up a possible showdown with the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol. The stakes couldn’t be higher, making this one of the most anticipated potential matchups in boxing.

Will the Fight Happen? The Business Side of Boxing
While the boxing world is buzzing about a possible Smith vs. Benavidez showdown, the fight still needs to be finalized. Several factors could influence whether the bout comes to fruition, including promotional negotiations, financial agreements, and broadcasting rights.

Smith is aligned with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN, while Benavidez has been working with PBC. The promotional rivalry between these two powerhouses has often made cross-promotional fights difficult to arrange. However, with the growing trend of major fights taking place in Saudi Arabia, where financial backing is strong, the likelihood of the fight happening has increased.

Both fighters have expressed their willingness to make the fight, and their respective teams are reportedly in discussions to iron out the details. If all goes well, boxing fans could be in for a thrilling showdown between two of the most dangerous light-heavyweights in the sport. As negotiations continue, the anticipation builds. Will Callum Smith get his shot at Benavidez? And will the winner earn a chance to fight for light-heavyweight gold? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—if this fight happens, it will be a spectacle to remember.