With trainer Buddy McGirt by his side, Smith produced an impassioned effort in defeating Buatsi. He has been in prior talks to fight Benavidez, and winning in November would leave Smith ideally poised for a 2026 shot at the Benavidez-Yarde winner and then at the winner of the 175lbs trilogy title match between champion Dmitry Bivol and former champion Artur Beterbiev.
