By Elliot Foster
Stephen Smith will have to train over Christmas, but that sacrifice will not be an issue if it results in him lifting a world title.
The Liverpool super featherweight, who stopped Devis Boschiero inside six rounds in September to ensure his position as the number one challenger, is in line for a shot at the IBF title.
Smith, 30, had been told after his last fight that his chance at glory against champion José Pedraza would come before the year was out.
But it now appears that the WBC Silver and former British champion will have to wait until 2016.
"It's looking like January," Smith told BoxingScene.
"The IBF said it had to happen by December 13 this year, so I was buzzing and stayed in the gym, training, thinking it was only a matter of time.
"Then [the IBF] pushed it back and said that it would happen in the new year, just after Christmas, so it's looking like late January or early February.
"I can't wait for it."
Undefeated champion Pedraza, from Puerto Rico, retained his title on October 3 at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA with a split decision victory over Edner Cherry.
Elliot Foster is part of the UK Boxing Scene team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz
