Callum Smith is shocked with the WBC's decision to sanction David Benavidez vs. Ronald Gavril for its vacant super middleweight title.

Smith, who is the WBC's number one ranked super middleweight, was scheduled to face Anthony Dirrell for the vacant belt in Los Angeles on a date in September. Then Dirrell 's team attempted to make changes to the date and venue location after both sides had agreed on terms.

Smith (22-0, 17 KOs) then agreed to fight Erik Skoglund (26-0, 12 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on September 16, as part of the World Boxing Super Series tournament. The bout will have a secondary title at stake, the WBC's Diamond belt.

After Smith agreed to face Skoglund, the WBC ordered Dirrell to face Benavidez (18-0, 17 KOs) for the vacant belt.

Then Dirrell withdrew with a claimed injury, so Gavril (18-1, 14 KOs) - promoted by Mayweather Promotions - stepped in on late notice and the WBC approved him to face Benavidez for the vacant title on September 8.

The WBC says the winner of the WBSS tournament will become mandatory challenger for the winner of Benavidez-Gavril.

"I don't know if Dirrell has pulled out of fighting for the WBC title altogether but I was No. 1 in the rankings and Skoglund is worthy enough [he's ranked at No. 12 by the WBC]," Smith told Nick Parkinson.

"I've chosen to go for the tournament so I have to make do with what I've got but I can't explain why they've chose for two fighters below me in the rankings to fight for the vacant title.

"I've been asking why I'm not fighting for the WBC title next as I'm No. 1 in the rankings. Instead the No. 6 is fighting for it. But I can get that title further down the line, and in my career at the moment I'm focused on winning my next two fights only."