Callum Smith could well be one step closer to a unification showdown.

The 29-year-old was most recently in action against his mandatory challenger John Ryder at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Smith, who dethroned George Groves last September in Saudi Arabia to win the World Boxing Super Series, was bloodied and bruised, exclusively live on Sky Sports & DAZN, as he controversially kept hold of his WBA Super, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine world titles.

And while ‘Mundo’ (27-0, 19 KOs) admitted he must be better if he is to get his dream night at the Anfield stadium of his beloved Liverpool Football Club, potentially against a big name such as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, it appears that another avenue has opened up to another big fight.

It was revealed on Wednesday that Smith has been made the mandatory challenger to Mexican-American David Benavidez, the WBC champion, on account of him owning and defending that aforementioned WBC trinket.

Before the two belts can be unified, though, 22-year-old ‘El Bandera Roja’ (22-0, 19 KOs) must defend his against Avni Yildirim.

The Turkish fighter, who was iced by Chris Eubank Jr. in the World Boxing Super Series’ first season, is the previous number one contender and will get his opportunity on January 25, 2020 at a venue to be confirmed.

But still, if Smith is to get that date with destiny in front of plenty at Anfield –– which his brother Liam says is “90 per cent done” –– he will more than likely need a ‘Canelo’ to do the numbers.