Smith said the current rankings leave a clear path if he defeats the Cuban contender.
“I believe Morrell is one of those fighters,” Smith told Secondsout. “He’s a very good fighter, but I believe I beat him, and then I’m looking for the next challenge.”
The 35-year-old former super middleweight champion said the structure at the top of the division already identifies the opponents he wants next.
“The way the rankings look, the only people ranked above him are me and then the champions Bivol and Beterbiev,” said Smith. “So that’s who I’ll be looking for next.”
Smith claimed the WBO interim title with a twelve-round unanimous decision win over Joshua Buatsi in Riyadh, moving him closer to a title opportunity at 175 pounds and cementing his position near the top of the rankings.
The Morrell fight took time to finalize after earlier plans changed before the fight was finally scheduled for April in Smith’s hometown.
“It was frustrating because you have to plan a camp to peak at the right time,” Smith said. “When it keeps getting swapped and changed, it’s a little frustrating.”
Smith said his goal is to put in the type of performance that puts him in a position for a championship fight and strengthens his case for a mandatory title opportunity.
“If I beat Morrell, I’ll be on my team to get the mandatory shots,” Smith said. “Hopefully I can fight for the world title.”
The British contender added that testing himself against the division’s champions remains his goal as he continues his run at light heavyweight.
