Joe Smith Jr has made it clear his ambitions lie beyond beating Artur Beterbiev on June 18.
The two powerful light heavyweights collide at the Madison Square Garden Theatre, New York with three world titles on the line. However, Smith won’t stop at trying to add the WBC and IBF championships to the WBO he has owned since April 2021.
“I want to be undisputed,” Smith told The DAZN Boxing Show.
A win against Beterbiev would leave just the WBA title to collect. Currently it is in the possession of Dmitry Bivol who beat Smith on points three years ago.
“If we can make that fight happen sooner than later that’s what I want. I want to become undisputed as quickly as possible,” declared Smith.
What if a mega riches fight against Canelo Alvarez was offered to him?
“I want Bivol. I want that belt. I want to be undisputed. If I could get that fight, beat him, anything’s
possible.”
Smith revealed he had a bet on Bivol to beat Canelo in their fight two weeks ago. And while the win was not against a recognised light heavyweight the American still believes the WBA champion is the top guy at 175lbs. “I still believe Bivol is the best light heavyweight right now and I believe he will be until I get my rematch.
“I know he’s great. He put on a great show against Canelo so you can’t doubt him. Everyone he’s ever got in the ring with he’s made them look ordinary.”
While Smith has desires to be undisputed there is no overlooking the challenge and threat that the fearsome Beterbiev will bring next month. Yet the 32-year-old New Yorker is confident he can be the first man to beat the unified champion and do so preferably inside the distance.
“I’m always prepared to go 12 rounds. If I can get him out of there early that’s one thing I love to do. I don’t want to go 12 rounds, if I can get him out two, three, four whatever it may be I’m gonna do it,” said Smith.
“He comes straight forward; he’s made for my style. I believe I’m a little faster, a little more elusive.
“It’s going to be a great fight because I’m going to give it 100%. Anyone who’s doubting me I’m going to prove them wrong.”