Trainer Joe Gallagher has confirmed to WBN recent reports citing super-middleweight ruler Callum Smith wanting a New York appearance.
Smith had been linked to sharing a US bill with fellow World Boxing Super Series winner Oleksandr Usyk. When asked by World Boxing News, Gallagher stated Smith is hopeful of featuring on the Anthony Joshua v Jarrell Miller card on June 1 instead.
“I’ve been told we will know by Wednesday what the situation is. But Callum wants the chief support spot on Joshua v Miller,” Gallagher exclusively told WBN.
“I heard the Kell Brook announcement, but we’ll know more about it this week.”
Asked further whether WBA mandatory John Ryder was in line to be in the opposite corner, Gallagher added: “No, I can say that it won’t be John Ryder.”
Attempting to capitalize on his enhanced reputation as the Ring Magazine champion at 168 pounds, Smith is eyeing a second fight in America.
The Liverpool man last fought stateside in 2014. Smith won a first round knockout on the Kell Brook v Shawn Porter undercard in Carson, California.
A lot has changed for Smith since then. British, European and world titles followed as Smith placed himself as one of the top contenders in the division.
Victory over George Groves in the WBSS final should be the catalyst to huge fights for Smith, who would be an ideal addition to the Madison Square Garden bill this summer.
‘Mundo’ is 25-0 with 18 knockouts and will be hard to beat for any of the main players at 168.
ANFIELD
‘Regular’ champion to Smith’s ‘Super’ WBA strap is none other than Canelo Alvarez. A match-up between the pair is yet to be addressed in the media.
Retired former pound for pound king Andre Ward was recently targeted for an Anfield homecoming at Liverpool FC. Although Smith and Ward were unable to reach an agreement and the fight fell flat.
Smith still hopes to resurrect a fight on Liverpool’s hallowed turf in the future. But for now, Smith campaigning of one of the biggest DAZN events of the year will suffice for Gallagher.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
