By Edward Chaykovsky
As BoxingScene.com previously reported a few days ago, TGB Promotions won the WBC's purse bid to secure the promotional rights to the Anthony Dirrell vs. Callum Smith super middleweight title fight.
TGB Promotions appeared on behalf of Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions and threw down a very large amount, $1.6 million, to bring that contest to the United States.
Smith is promoted by Eddie Hearn of UK-based Matchroom Sport.
Smith (22-0, 17 KOs) was the mandatory challenger world champion Badou Jack, who a few weeks ago vacated the belt to make a move to the light heavyweight division. Once Jack vacated, the WBC ordered Smith and number two ranked Dirrell (30-1-1, 24 KOs) to battle for the vacant belt.
Smith has traveled over to the United States to watch his three brothers battle in high stakes contests. He also fought in the United States in August 2014, at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles, as part of the Kell Brook vs. Shawn Porter undercard. Dirrell was the co-featured attraction of that card, where he won a decision over Sakio Bika to capture the WBC title.
The fight between Smith and Dirrell is being eyed for dates in May and June.
"I've always said in the past how I would love to win a world title in Liverpool, but travelling to win one in America wouldn't really bother me too much. I've always wanted to fight over there. I have been over there for other shows and I've travelled with my brothers when they fought for world titles, so it won't be a bit unknown for me. I've been there before. It's not the best outcome, but it's not the worst," Smith told Sky Sports.
"We always knew it was a possibility and a strong possibility as well. I wasn't as shocked as most people. I see Eddie [Hearn] has took a bit of stick, with people saying 'why did you lose the bid?' But if someone bids more than you expect then it's hard to win it."
"Anfield is not going anywhere, it will always be there, and as long as I can win a world title then I would think that dream still is there for next May. I would love to do it eventually. Challenging for it there would be good, but hopefully I can win one and defend it there next year. It would be even better. It's still there, it's just a little further down the line than we hoped."
