Former IBF light-middleweight champion Ishe Smith has told WBN that he has heard nothing on a possible clash with Erislandy Lara.
The 36-year-old returned to winning ways in May having lost his world title to Carlos Molina in late 2013 and recently heard the news that the current belt holder has signed to face old foe Cornelius Bundrage.
That has left Smith eyeing a big-name opponent as he looks to get right back into the title picture at 154, and despite some predicting the Lara fight was a done deal, the American is keeping his head down and focusing on the future.
ISHE SMITH vs LARA
“There is no fight with Lara. There is no truth to that and it’s just rumor,” Smith told World Boxing News.
“I haven’t been told by anyone that I will be fighting Lara, or that’s the date will be November 29. I don’t know where that information came from, but I think I would know best because I would be in camp right now.
“There is nothing as of yet, but it is true that I want to fight Lara. Nothing is done yet, but if not him, then we look elsewhere for another top 10 guy,” he added.
‘Sugar Shay’ lost out by the smallest of margins against Molina in what was his first defense of the red belt and many believe Smith deserves another chance after fighting so hard to become a world champion in the first place.
Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay for tweets of upcoming news on @WorldBoxingNews
