Callum Smith fancies a clash with James DeGale if he can overcome Anthony Dirrell

Callum Smith would love to face James DeGale in a unification fight if he can take the vacant WBC super-middleweight title against Anthony Dirrell later this year.

Smith (22-0-KO17) is still waiting to learn of a venue and date for his clash with Dirrell (30-1-1-KO24) which will be contested for the WBC belt vacated by Badou Jack.

That fight could happen in May or June and possibly pave the way for the victor to take on IBF champion DeGale, who fought out a thrilling draw with Jack in Brooklyn in January.

Smith told Sky Sports News HQ: "I get on with James and he is a good friend to my brothers. At the minute he is the man to beat in the division as world champion.

Live Fight Night

"I want to become a world champion so if I beat Dirrell a unification would be a huge fight over here and I am sure he would welcome it as much as I would.

"Boxing is a business and I think that is the main fight at the end of the line, but I've got to come through the next one. I am fully focused on that first and then we can look to anything else."

Smith seems likely to have to travel to the United States for the Dirrell fight but he is not overawed by what would only be his second overseas bout - the first came back in 2014 when he knocked out Abraham Hernandez.

He has been absent from the ring since December, when he made it 22 wins on the bounce with a knockout of Luke Blackledge in defence of the British belt he has since vacated

"I'm confident and I feel I am good enough to go over there and do a job, and return as a world champion," he added.

"I'm up against it but I do think it is my time. I'm good enough to do it and a lot of people have backed me from day one to become a world champion and now is the time to prove them right.

"I think I've become a better fighter now than I was last year."

Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!