Overview
- Smith stopped Subriel Matias in the fifth round in Brooklyn to win the WBC title, then received the belt during a Times Square presentation.
- He says he plans to be in New York on January 31 to watch Teofimo Lopez face Shakur Stevenson and intends to pursue the winner for a unification bout.
- Smith told Sky Sports he slightly favors Stevenson on points, while stressing he will face whichever champion is available next.
- New York regulators allowed the Matias fight to proceed after ruling his November ostarine finding was below their enforcement threshold.
- The WBC lists Alberto Puello as the mandatory challenger, as Smith plays down an immediate fight with Azim, who meets Gustavo Lemos on January 31 and is eyeing IBF champion Richardson Hitchins later in 2026.