Promoter Eddie Hearn hopes Dalton Smith will battle for a world title after the Briton’s bout with WBC light-welterweight champion Subriel Matias was thrown into jeopardy.
Matias and Smith had been set to satisfy on 10 January in New York, however the Puerto Rican has examined optimistic for a banned substance.
The WBC confirmed it had obtained notification from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (Vada) “relating to an antagonistic discovering”.
Matchroom’s Hearn, who promotes undefeated Smith, 28, mentioned the state of affairs is “a multitude” however continues to be hopeful the Sheffield fighter will get his probability.
“The WBC will in all probability say to me that it must be Dalton towards subsequent in line,” Hearn advised the 5 Dwell Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast.
“I do consider in contamination however what I need greater than something is for it to be handled swiftly.
“Hopefully Dalton Smith will get the chance. Put Matias in recess and provides him his due course of.”
Matias and his group are but to publicly touch upon stories he examined optimistic for ostarine, however the WBC mentioned a proper investigation has been launched and he’s totally co-operating.
The 33-year-old has till 1 December to request for a B pattern to be examined.
Matias beat Alberto Puello to win the belt by way of majority determination in July.
Puello’s group requested the WBC for an instantaneous rematch however the sanctioning physique rejected these appeals and mentioned Matias needed to defend towards obligatory challenger Dalton.
“The WBC mentioned the winner of Dalton v Matias would battle Puello, so that you’d suppose will probably be Dalton towards [Puello] for the vacant title and Matias can battle the winner if he comes again cleared,” Hearn mentioned.
“It’s kind of of a multitude however we wish to ensure Dalton will get his alternative.”
