Smith said the current rankings leave a clear path if he defeats the Cuban contender.
“I believe Morrell is one of those fighters,” Smith said to Secondsout. “He’s a really good fighter, but I believe I beat him, and then I look 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 are looking, the only people ranked above him is myself and then the champions Bivol and Beterbiev,” Smith said. “So that’s who I’ll be looking for next.”
Smith earned the WBO interim title with a twelve-round unanimous decision victory over Joshua Buatsi in Riyadh, which moved him closer to a title opportunity at 175 pounds and strengthened his position near the top of the rankings.
The Morrell bout took time to finalize after earlier plans changed before the fight was eventually scheduled for April in Smith’s hometown.
“It’s been frustrating because you need to plan a camp to peak at the right time,” Smith said. “When it keeps getting swapped and changed, that’s a little bit frustrating.”
Smith said his goal is to deliver the type of performance that places 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 go and 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.
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