A new light heavyweight champion could be crowned in the coming months.

Former world champion Eleider Alvarez could return to a world championship bout the next time he enters the ring.

He already knows the identity of his opponent - Joe Smith Jr. (25-3, 20 KOs). The contest is very possible for the vacant belt of the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Alvarez returned to the ring on Saturday night in Verona, New York, and he pulled off a sensational one-punch knockout of Michael Seals. One week prior in Atlantic City, Smith dropped and outworked Jesse Hart for a dominant decision win.

Alvarez captured the WBO title in 2018, when he knocked out Sergey Kovalev in the seventh round. Kovalev gained revenge in their February rematch when he won a twelve round decision over Alvarez. Then Kovalev was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in November.

Canelo would later vacate the belt. Gilberto Ramirez is the top contender to the crown, but he's been inactive since last April and he's currently having promotional issues.

"I know there will be discussions in the coming days," said Eleider Alvarez to The Montreal Journal.

"I watched Smith's fight when he faced Jessie Hart. He's a good boxer. I think our styles will mesh well and we'll give the people a good show. "

Alvarez's trainer, Marc Ramsey, is confident his boxer will overcome the challenge.

“It wouldn't be a complicated matter. Smith is a limited guy. Despite this, it is dangerous. He brings power in each of his shots. It will take serious preparation both physically and mentally. "

This duel could land in Quebec, at least this is the wish of Alvarez's lead promoter Yvon Michel. Alvarez is co-promoted by Top Rank, who also have several options on Smith.

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org.