Keep winning and a fight with Canelo Alvarez can happen is the message from manager Joe DeGuardia to his world light-heavyweight champion client Joe Smith Jr.
Smith successfully made the first defence of his WBO title against late replacement Steve Geffrard just over a week ago in Verona, New York. Callum Johnson had been the original opponent, but the Brit caught Covid ruling him out of his second world title challenge.
During the post-fight interview Smith fielded questions about the future and fights against unified champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA belt holder Dmitry Bivol were mentioned, as was one against Canelo Alvarez.
The Mexican superstar won the belt that Smith currently holds when he stopped Sergey Kovalev in 2019. Since that win Alvarez has gone on to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion and the universally recognised pound-for-pound number one.
Joe DeGuardia was asked by Sky Sports if a fight between his fighter and the multi-weight world champion can happen.
“Certainly, but that will depend on Canelo’s plans as to when it could take place,” he answered.
“Joe just has to keep winning and I think a Canelo fight will happen.”
Smith has spoken of his desire to fight Bivol again and equal the score after losing to the unbeaten Russian three years ago. A three-belt bout against Beterbiev could be the easiest to make with both under the Top Rank banner while Britain’s Anthony Yarde, the WBO number one contender, is in the running to face Smith too.