If Stevenson's calls remain unanswered, WBC champion Dalton Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) would be more than happy to pick up the phone. But first, The Ring's No. 1 contender at 140 pounds must get past Alberto Puello (25-1, 11 KOs) during his first title defense on October 24 at Utilita Arena Sheffield in England on DAZN.

"Respect to Shakur. I've known him for years. He's one hell of a fighter, but I'm in those rankings for a reason, and I've never shied away from an opponent," Smith said on the "Boxing World" YouTube channel. "The 140 division will always be stacked. It's a popular weight over the generations. I feel like there's a lot I want to do at 140.

"I'm boxing to be a part of the biggest fights possible. Of course the Shakur fight would be up there as one of the biggest. I'd love to be a part of that. But of course, I have to get through Puello first."

Smith is a -185 betting favorite to beat Puello, according to DraftKings, while Puello, a former two-time junior welterweight titleholder, is a +145 underdog.

"I don't overlook what's in front of me, but once I get the job done against Puello, I want to be chasing the biggest fights possible," Smith said. "But as of now, it's all steam ahead for Puello."

Smith blasted former two-time 140-pound titleholder Subriel Matias last time out in January inside of five rounds for the crown. The occasion marked Smith's United States debut.

"You've got to go to the States to stamp your name on the wider boxing world and get known," Smith said. "I made a name in the UK now, and I'd be willing to go over to the States for the biggest fights.

"I know it is my duty to make a stamp in the 140 division. I've done that now. I just want to take it one fight at a time and see how far we get. I want to win more world titles. I want to be in the biggest fights possible. I want to headline at my beloved football club in Sheffield by next year. I'm slowly ticking off these boxes and dreams."

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan