Dalton Smith will look to win a world title earlier than contemplating an all-British bout with rival Adam Azim.
Sheffield’s Smith is No 1 challenger for the WBC belt however must await Alberto Puello to defend that world championship towards Subriel Matias on July 12 in New York.
Smith’s subsequent struggle remains to be to be confirmed. “Nothing yet. We’re hoping we get that world title next. I think we should have some news in the next month or so,” he instructed Sky Sports activities.
“That’s the main focus. I’m in the No 1 mandatory spot, I’ve fought twice this year so that’s the one I want.”
Smith was at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday night time, within the nook of gym-mate Thomas Essomba. Azim was on account of field on that invoice, just for his struggle to be cancelled as soon as opponent Eliot Chavez was pulled from the cardboard after they’d weighed in.
Mexico’s Chavez was refused permission to field after it emerged he had used a sauna to make the load for the competition.
Smith, although, was not upset to overlook out on crossing paths with Azim final weekend.
“At the end of the day it would have been Adam’s fight night. I wouldn’t be that disrespectful to take [attention] away when he’s fighting. But obviously his fight fell through,” Smith mentioned.
Nevertheless he added: “Our time will come.”
He insists he needs that struggle to occur, however instructed Azim: “It takes two to tango. I’ve been there to tango. But it’s on their behalf now.”
He’s not anticipating a summer time showdown with Azim to be his subsequent contest.
“It doesn’t look like it,” Smith mentioned, earlier than noting: “Win the world title and those fights will be there.”
