The 30 year-old defeated Devis Boschiero in Liverpool last September to cement his place at the number contender with the International Boxing Federation and previously told WBN that he expects to travel for the fight.
‘Swifty’ is aiming to emulate brother WBO super welterweight belt holder Liam in becoming champion of his division following on from a defining night for ‘Beefy’ against American John Thompson in Manchester on October 10.
“Eddie confirmed this morning that terms have been agreed with Jose Pedraza, so it’s good news,” Smith told World Boxing News.
“We have no date or venue yet, but I’ll know more in a week or so about specific dates. This fight was always going to happen, so we just need a date to focus on and will get that soon.”
Current 130 pound champion Pedraza, 26, is undefeated with 21 victories to his name and recently made a successful first defense of the title in Cincinnati, Ohio when overcoming Edner Cherry via split decision.
The Puerto Rican has now based himself in the United States and seems nailed on to have the advantage of defending in his adopted home against Smith sometime in the spring.
