Joe Smith Likely To Face Jacobs After Defending WBO Title Against Salamov

WBO Light-heavyweight Champion Joe Smith Jr. may have already decided who he will fight next after dealing with Umar Salamov in either October or November this year. The WBO Champ has entered a two-fight deal that will see him take on Daniel Jacobs in the first quarter of 2022. However, there are no official announcements or paperwork to prove the deal yet.

But first, Smith has to make his first title defense against Salamov at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre.

The 31-year-old got his title in April when he defeated Russia’s Maxim Vlasov with a majority decision with scores of 115-112, 115-113, 114-114.

The Russian boxing star will face his toughest challenge yet. He has been unbeaten in his last five fights. It will be a real test of nerves for Salamov to continue his unbeaten streak against the champion to add another accolade to his resume.

Salamov has lost only once in his pro career. Damien Hooper defeated him in Australia in July 2017. On the other hand, Smith has three losses under his belt.