British super-middleweight Callum Smith has said that he is anticipating a future showdown with WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez.
Smith is currently the mandatory challenger for Badou Jack's WBC belt but he may have to wait for his opportunity, with Jack due to compete in a unification clash with IBF title holder James DeGale.
The Liverpudlian is prepared to wait for his chance but he has spoken positively about Mexican fighter Ramirez, who alongside Smith is considered to be one of the biggest talents in the division.
The 26-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Gilberto Ramirez is a good fighter who is up and coming. He's 6'2" and a southpaw who likes to fight inside a lot, which is unusual for someone so tall.
"We saw how good he is against Arthur Abraham - Ramirez won it convincingly and he's only young so he's here to stay for a while.
"As long as I can keep winning and pick up a world title, then there's no reason he and I can't meet in the future. He's definitely one of the best at 168lbs already."
Smith is currently unbeaten in 20 outings in the professional ranks, while Ramirez has won all of his 34 bouts.
Darren Plant
