A new World Boxing Council super-middleweight champion will be crowned at 168 pounds as a successor to David Benavidez, will pick up the belt next month.
With a stipulated bout between Anthony Dirrell and Avni Yildirim on February 23, the WBC moved a step closer to a final fight for one sole ruler.
At this point, Callum Smith holds the ‘Diamond’ version. An accolade that isn’t fully recognized as a world title.
It’s expected that Smith will be put forward to face the Dirrell v Yildirim winner by the end of the year.
Benavidez may have something to say on that matter, though, as he wants his shot at Dirrell or Yildirim soon.
It’s a complicated situation in the present moment.
At middleweight, Canelo has been granted an exception to box a unification with Daniel Jacobs on May 4.
Once a victor emerges from the battle, the eventual title holder will face Jermall Charlo or Gennady Golovkin.
Talks are said to be ongoing between the pair. Although a deal depends on which TV direction GGG goes in.
Super middleweight:
What happened?
David Benavidez will be placed as ‘Champion in Recess’ after testing positive in CBP, and the title is vacant.
The WBC will support Benavidez in all aspects of his rehabilitation.
Diamond champion Callum Smith defeated George Groves by KO7 on September 28. He also won the final of the WBSS in the process.
What’s next?
Eddie Hearn informed that the subsequent defense of the Diamond Championship of Callum Smith would take place in March or April.
Anthony Dirrell is the mandatory contender. The WBC Board ordered Dirrell vs. Avni Yildirim for the vacant title on February 23, 2019
Azizbek Abdugofurov defeated Wuzathi Nuerland by UD12 for the silver on November 18, 2018
Canelo Alvarez defeated Rocky Fielding by KOT3 in a special event on December 15 in N. Y.
Top 15 Rankings:
1 Anthony Dirrell (US)
2 Avni Yildirim (Turkey)
3 George Groves (GB) * CBP/P
4 Chris Eubank Jr. (GB)
5 Caleb Truax (US)
6 David Lemieux (Canada)
7 Azizbek Abdugofurov (Uzbekistan) SILVER
8 Fedor Chudinov (Russia)
9 Jessie Hart (US)
10 Rocky Fielding (GB)
11 Robin Krasniqi (Germany) EBU
12 John Ryder (GB)
13 Vladimir Sishkin (Russia)
14 Jayde Mitchell (Australia) OPBF
15 Lolenga Mock (Denmark)
Middleweight:
Champion Saul Alvarez won the title on September 15 to Gennady Golovkin.
Interim champion Jermall Charlo is the mandatory contender.
Saul Alvarez granted one voluntary defense.
Tom Loeffler requested a direct rematch between Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.
Charlo will fight mandatorily with Gennady Golovkin for the interim (if agreed). The winner is becoming a mandatory contender for Alvarez.
Jermall Charlo defeated Matt Korobov by UD12 in defense of the interim champion on December 22.
Hassan N’Dam defeated Martin Murray by MD12 for the silver on December 22.
Saul Alvarez will make his voluntary defense on May 4 vs. Daniel Jacobs.
Top 15 Rankings:
1 Gennady Golovkin (Kazakhstan)
2 Kamil Szeremeta (Poland) EBU
3 Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (Cameroon) SILVER * CBP/P
4 Ryota Murata (Japan) * CBP/P
5 Billy Joe Saunders (GB)
6 Jason Quigley (Ireland/US) NABF
7 Jack Culcay (Germany)
8 Yamaguchi Falcao (Brazil) LATINO
9 Sergey Derevyanchenko (Ukraine) * CBP/P
10 Esquivia Falcao (Brazil)
11 Steven Butler (Canada) FRANCOPHONE
12 Matt Korobov (Russia)
13 Luis Arias (US)
14 Gabriel Rosado (US) * CBP/P
15 Immanuwel Aleem (US)
