Callum Smith was supposed to propel Joshua Buatsi’s career to the next level.

When the two recently met back in February, the former super middleweight champ was viewed as a stepping stone. However, Smith knew that he had plenty left in the tank.

It wasn't a coming-out party of sorts but a celebration was held once Smith pulled off the upset win. Now, with the WBO interim light heavyweight title in his possession, he’s hoping to land a big fight relatively soon. Of course, a date with either Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev is what he desires most, but since David Benavidez now holds the WBC crown, Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) is more than willing to face him next.

The aggravating process that comes with negotiations is something that Smith leaves completely up to Eddie Hearn, his longtime promoter. But since he essentially stays out of the loop, fight news sometimes escapes him. With that said, the 35-year-old has a feeling that he’ll get information about his future relatively soon.

“I don't know,” said Smith to iFL TV when asked if Benavidez could be next. “Eddie said he has a few meetings this week and he’ll let me know what the plan is.”

For Benavidez, one day he was an interim belt holder then the next, he was arbitrarily elevated to full champion. Although it wasn’t what he was aiming for, the Mexican star, fresh off his win over David Morrell, will take what he can get. Now, the 28-year-old is hoping to land a marquee fight of his own.

For most of his career, Benavidez hasn’t been targeted. His presence in the ring is ubiquitous and his offense is relentless. But, Smith is well aware of the violence Benavidez normally brings with him.

For years now, he’s quietly watched and even plotted on him. If a showdown between them does take place, he’ll demonically stare into Benavidez’s eyes and tell him to bring it on.

“He’s a very, very good fighter," admitted Smith. "He’s someone that I like and rate. We were both champions at the same time down at 168. It’s a fight I always thought would happen at some point. It probably should have happened back then but it didn’t but were both at 175. It’s a fight that I like. Stylistically, it should be a good one as well so we’ll see.”