Thanks to losses to Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev, Callum Smith was left for dead. But while fighters, promoters, and fans were giving his epithet, Smith was busy proving them wrong.

Last Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, Joshua Buatsi planned on using Smith’s fallen carcass as a springboard to launch his career. Matchups against Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez, and Anthony Yarde ran rapidly through his mind. Ultimately, however, Smith had no intention of becoming a gatekeeper that night.

Things were close during their 12-round battle. The two exchanged body punches, hurt each other on several occasions, and did their best to will themselves to victory. It was Smith, nevertheless, that got the job done.

The reward for the 34-year-old was Buatsi’s WBO interim title. More importantly, it pushes him into the mandatory position for a title shot. That, of course, could come against Bivol. But in all likelihood, he might be forced into a third showdown with Beterbiev to finally settle the score.

If Smith isn’t given an immediate shot, Eddie Hearn, his longtime promoter, could opt to keep him active. In terms of who he would choose to throw him in with, well, David Benavidez could use a dance partner.

“Definitely,” said Hearn to Chris Mannix when asked if he would be willing to match them up next. “But he really wants a shot at the world title.”

Benavidez, much like Smith, is hoping to get his hands on Bivol for the undisputed crown. Unfortunately for them, the top of the division is suffering a logjam.

Bivol has already come out and stated that if he fought Beterbiev for a third time, it would have to take place towards the latter part of the year due to injuries.

Smith, at this stage, doesn’t find much joy in fighting any and everyone. At his age, and considering the things he’s accomplished, he needs a reason to get out of bed. Although Hearn knows that Bivol is someone that Smith would get up for, he believes that a fight against Benavidez would provide that same level of motivation.

“I think the Benavidez fight would motivate him," continued Hearn. "Benavidez is a hugely respected 175. That’s a great fight. I like the fight.”