New WBO 154 lb champion Liam Smith, has stated that the unification fight he fancies most down the line is against America’s new IBF champion, Jermall Charlo.
Smith handily beat one American to win the title last week – in Boxcino tournament winner John Thompson – and caught the ire of another on twitter, in veteran, Shane Mosley – although would face a far stiffer test than either the aforementioned in the young Texan fighter, who won his own world title by destroying Cornelius Bundrage last month.
However, Charlo is the name Smith stated he would fancy next in an ideal world, given no obstacles, and wrote in a fan Q & A on twitter; “Jermall Carlo WBO/IBF Unification,” in response to the question.
It’s obviously a fight the fans are unlikely to see for some time, with Smith out next again in December on the Andy Lee/Billy Joe Saunders bill in Manchester against a TBA opponent. Regarding who exactly he might face on that Dec 19. date, the Scouser admitted he hasn’t had too much time to look at it, although the process of selecting someone has indeed already started.
“Had a look at a couple in the top 10 WBO rankings. Will look at it with @gallaghersgym & @MGM_Marbella,” he wrote regarding the opponent for that date.
Whatever transpires, it is clear that Smith hasn’t long to get used to basking in the glory of being champion before he puts his head back down and returns to the gym under the tutelage of trainer, Joe Gallagher, and prepares for his first defence, which – hopefully for Smith – will include some sparring with WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto in the build up; himself preparing at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in LA. for next month’s blockbuster with ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“I’m just waiting on [details of] it being finalised this week,” Smith told Sky Sports regarding the Cotto sparring. “I’ve been wanting to spar Miguel Cotto over in LA and that will be priceless, going over there, getting some rounds with such a world class fighter.
“He’s one of my favourite fighters stylistically and I would love to test myself against him,” he said.
Twitter @Undilutedpoison