Monday 29 June 2015 10:33, UK
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes super-middleweight Callum Smith is 'one fight away' from a shot at a world title following his unanimous points victory over Christopher Rebrasse.
The 25-year-old Smith was pushed all the way by the Frenchman on Friday night in front of his home fans in Liverpool but was a wide victor on the scorecards.
Afterwards, Hearn hinted that 'Mundo' may now face Rocky Fielding, who also impressed on the night by stopping Brian Vera inside two rounds, before going on to fight for a world title.
The Matchroom promoter said: "There's been a lot of hype surrounding Callum Smith but that was the perfect fight. Luckily, the hype is real and he's going to be number one in the WBC now.
"That puts him one fight away from challenging for the world title. George Groves fights Badou Jack in August or September and we feel we're one fight away from that.
"The Rocky Fielding fight is definitely a great fight for Liverpool but Callum has his eyes on world titles."
Smith, who improved his record to 17-0-0-KO14, paid tribute to his opponent on the night.
The Rocky Fielding fight is definitely a great fight for Liverpool but Callum has his eyes on world titles.
He told Sky Sports: "Rebrasse was very tough. He kept coming but I knew that going in there. I wanted to show my skills.
"If I go past one round I can still stick to a gameplan. I felt like I could have done more but what I was doing was working so I stuck to the back foot.
"I enjoy the first round knockouts but this is what I need if I'm going to be world champion. I feel like I'm improving all the time and I feel I need this experience."
