Eddie Hearn believes that Callum Smith could be taking a risk when he faces Pawel Stepien in his next fight.
The British light heavyweight is waiting for his chance to fight Artur Beterbiev, but the unbeaten unified champion is in demand, with a potential undisputed clash against Dmitry Bivol hoped for by many this year.
He last fought Anthony Yarde in a WBO mandatory defence, and will now take time away from the ring to observe Ramadan, while Smith faces Stepien on March 11 in Liverpool, live on DAZN.
Hearn told DAZN that Stepien should not be underestimated.
He said: “Callum Smith is simply waiting for Artur Beterbiev, he’ll now take part in Ramadan. The WBC are allowing Callum to have this fight against [Pawel] Stepien. Very dangerous, unbeaten. For Callum Smith it’s about coming through, looking good and emerging unscathed for a monster fight against Beterbiev in the summer.”