Joe Smith Jr. could be in line for a title fight with Artur Beterbiev or a clash with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez later this year, according to promoter Bob Arum.
Arum thinks that either the Russian light heavyweight champion or the Mexican undisputed super middleweight could be on the cards later this year.
Beterbiev holds the IBF and WBC titles at 175lbs, and Smith would be able to put the WBO strap on the line for a unification clash.
Another option is Canelo, with the Mexican due to fight Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight championship in May, and Arum suggested that May could work for Smith instead, or an autumn bout.
A move down from cruiserweight to light heavyweight might be easier for Canelo rather than a jump straight back down to 168lbs, though Canelo may also want a shot at Beterbiev.
Speaking after Smith’s defeat of challenger Steve Geffrard on Saturday night in New York, Arum said: "Canelo has expressed interest to me about fighting Beterbiev or Smith Jr.
"I would look forward to May or September, the two dates that Canelo likes to fight, that he would fight one of those light-heavyweights."