This past Saturday, Liverpool’s own Callum Smith delivered a riveting performance on the action-packed “Last Crescendo” card held in Riyadh. His bout against Joshua Buatsi was not only entertaining but has also garnered recognition as a potential Fight of the Year contender. Smith, who prevailed in what can best be described as an exhilarating twelve-round war, has firmly established that he still possesses the skills and tenacity needed to compete at the highest levels of the sport. As he transitions back into title contention, Smith’s victory over Buatsi raises questions about his future and aspirations in boxing.
With his recent win, Smith has secured the WBO interim title at 175 pounds, yet he’s not merely satisfied with this achievement. The seasoned fighter, with a record of 31 wins and 2 losses, now has his sights set on a more ambitious goal: capturing a world title in a second weight class. Specifically, Smith has expressed a strong desire to challenge Dmitry Bivol, the reigning champion at light-heavyweight. Smith emphasized his ambitions by stating, “Bivol’s got the belts, so ideally Bivol.” His fervent wish to reclaim world champion status showcases not only his unwavering determination but also a strategic approach to his career.
However, the road to reclaiming championship glory is fraught with challenges. Dmitry Bivol, who has only suffered a single defeat in his career—a narrow loss to Artur Beterbiev—commands respect and presents a daunting obstacle for Smith. Should a match-up be arranged, Bivol would likely be the favorite given his superior pedigree and accolades. Smith, by contrast, has risen from a notable setback, as he was previously stopped by Beterbiev in January 2024—a defining moment in his career that many believed could spell the end of his title aspirations.
Yet, his performance against Buatsi served as a powerful rebuttal to skeptics. The grit and resilience that Smith demonstrated in the ring suggest that he should not be underestimated. Following the Buatsi fight, Smith transformed uncertainty into a passionate declaration of intent: a return to championship glory is his singular focus.
In this dynamic boxing landscape, the possibility of facing Bivol raises additional questions. Current speculation suggests Bivol could be engaged in a trilogy fight against Beterbiev, further complicating the timeline for Smith’s ambitions. Nevertheless, Smith, now 2-0 post-defeat, has earned the right to pursue a shot at the title. The fact that he remains undeterred and progressively gaining momentum in his career is perhaps the most crucial takeaway from his recent endeavors.
As fans eagerly anticipate Smith’s next moves, the boxing community holds its breath. Will Callum Smith realize his dream of becoming a two-weight world champion? A matchup against Bivol would not only serve as a litmus test for Smith’s capabilities but also fuel the captivating narratives that define the sport. The boxing world is full of surprises, and in his quest for redemption, Callum Smith’s journey is far from over.
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