Callum Smith, the unbeaten WBA (Super) super middleweight champion, made a winning return to the ring Saturday night with a third-round TKO victory over Hassan N’Dam at Madison Square Garden.
Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) dropped N'Dam three times — once in each round — before the referee ended the fight, cementing "Mundo's" dominant showing in his first bout since defeating George Groves in the World Boxing Super Series last September. Now, he's ready for a greater challenge and perhaps a showdown with the face of boxing himself, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
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"I want the big fights, I want the big names,” Smith said during his post-fight press conference. “Canelo is a very good fighter. I believe he is the best 160-pound fighter in the world. If he does decide to move up in the future, it’s a fight I would be willing to take."
If that fight doesn't come to fruition, there are other options for Smith as well.
With Smith wanting to be back in action again this September, here are five potential opponents.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs)
The unified middleweight champion and WBA (Regular) super middleweight titleholder made light work of Rocky Fielding when the pound-for-pound star stepped up to 168 pounds in December. Canelo also defeated Smith's brother, Liam Smith, in September 2016, so a revenge match against the Mexican could favor the Liverpool-born fighter.
Furthermore, Canelo called Smith out after he defeated Daniel Jacobs last month. With both Canelo and Smith under the DAZN banner, the fight could be negotiated easily between Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy Promotions) and Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing). The WBA would also be interested in having its "Super" and "Regular" champions facing off.
Chris Eubank Jr. (28-2, 21 KOs)
After winning the IBO title with an impressive display against James DeGale (25-3-1, 15 KOs) in February, Eubank has moved up to No. 2 in the world ranking. Significant improvements have been made in Eubank's fighting style and his defense would give Smith a test. Eubank has a big enough personality to sell the fight as a main event to boxing fans in the U.K., but if Smith wants to continue to grow his brand in the U.S., then he may need to look elsewhere.
Anthony Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs)
The WBC super middleweight titleholder is a possible opponent considering Callum Smith’s desire to unify the division. Dirrell was last in action in February, when he defeated Avni Yildirim, so he would have plenty of time to prepare for a September date with "Mundo."
Billy Joe Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs)
The WBO champion has already called out Smith on social media and Saunders would pose a threat with his southpaw stance and elusive fighting style. This would also be a huge fight in the U.K., with both men putting their belts and undefeated records on the line. Frank Warren, Saunders’ promoter, has also hinted that the fight could be made.
Daniel Jacobs (35-3, 29 KOs)
After losing to Alvarez in May, "The Miracle Man" has expressed the possibility of stepping up to super middleweight and what better way than to take on the No. 1-ranked fighter in the division. Both men are signed to Matchroom Boxing, so negotiations would be simple enough to make.