The 175-pound division is the most underappreciated division in boxing at the moment. With champions like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, the division has international tie-ins. In addition, there is the feel-good element of having a guy like Joe Smith Jr. overcome so much to hold a world title. Also, there are exciting contenders like David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez lurking. Not to mention, prospects like Edgar Berlanga and champions like Saul “Canelo” Alvarez that could soon compete for belts in the division.
This week, one of the division’s leading figures, Joe Smith Jr., moved closer to signing a two-fight deal. His developing deal would involve a title defense against Umar Salamov in New York this fall and a fight against Daniel Jacobs in early 2022. Both fights are expected to air on ESPN and take place at the Hulu Theater.
Smith Jr. is currently on a three-fight win streak that includes victories against Jesse Hart, Eleider Alvarez and Maxim Vlasov. He suffered his last defeat in March 2019 against Bivol in Verona, New York.
