The Ring titleholder has also been linked to a third fight with former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev or a much-anticipated bout with former sparring partner David Benavidez, who holds titles at 175 and 200 pounds.

Should Bivol choose to pursue either of those options, he would have to vacate his WBO title and Smith would be automatically upgraded to full champion.

Last weekend, Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn suggested in that scenario, the 35-year-old's first defense could be a rematch with his old rival Joshua Buatsi on a proposed 7 vs. 7 promotional clash with Queensberry. The pair first met in February 2025 on the undercard of Bivol's undisputed light heavyweight title rematch against Beterbiev.

The fight was arguably the year's most technical war.

Both fighters boxed and fought, traded at close quarters and distance while having to prove their heart, stamina and desire. Smith won unanimously after a grueling 12 rounds that led the way for 'Fight of the Year' honors.

By the time the year-end awards were handed out, time passing meant high-profile fights like the outstanding Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn I and Abdullah Mason-Sam Noakes bouts were fresher in people's minds.

Smith and Buatsi received plenty of plaudits but didn't scoop the type of rewards they deserved.

"Yes, I think it probably should have got a bit of acknowledgement but I think with the Eubank-Benn fight, I think it was a little bit more hyped," Smith told The Ring earlier this year.

"If you put me and Buatsi at a sold-out football stadium, it probably gets a little bit more recognition. It was the show opener for a massive show, but probably didn't get the credit it probably deserved and the profile. I'm glad that I came out the winner rather than the loser, but a good, tough fight to be involved in. Full credit to Joshua."

Lots of fighters will look you in the eye and tell you they dream of being involved in the type of brutal fight pushing them to their mental and physical limits.

Those that do are either crazy, masochists or truth stretchers but Smith is none of the three. A smart, classy operator who possesses the inner steel and toughness required to be successful at the highest level, the Liverpudlian prefers to rely on his skills and boxing brain.

"When I first turned pro we got invited to the British Boxing Board awards. Carl Froch won the main award, Boxer of the Year, and I remember thinking I'd love to win that one day. Then, obviously there's Fight of the Year and I'd be a liar if I said I'd love to win that one day ... I always want to get it and out as easy as possible," laughed Smith.

He did win the prestigious BBBofC Fighter of the Year award in 2019, backing up a career-best stoppage of George Groves the previous year with Ring/WBA championship defenses against Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam and John Ryder.

"I'd watch those fights, I wouldn't want to be involved in them. I was, it's been and done now but don't want too many more of them."

If the situation calls for it, Smith will automatically dig down and do whatever it takes to win but if he finishes his career without adding a Fight of the Year award to his bulging trophy cabinet, he won't shed a tear.

"I'm happy we played our parts and it was a great fight. Whenever I see people nowadays, it's probably the first thing that gets mentioned. It's good to get recognition for that but don't want to be in too many of them."