Smith Jr. took some time out of his camp ahead of the clash to speak to The DAZN Boxing Show and while he is preparing for a 12-round fight, the American will not hesitate to end the contest early if an opportunity presents itself. 

"I’m always prepared to go 12 rounds, but if I can get him out of there early, that’s one thing I love to do," Smith Jr. said. 

"I don’t want to go 12 rounds, if I can get him out in two, three, four, whatever it maybe, I’m going to do it."

Whoever comes out on top will hold three of the four 175lb world titles, meaning a fight with Bivol, who holds the WBA belt, will have to take place in order to become undisputed.

Smith Jr. was also asked to react to DAZN's recent light-heavyweight rankings following Bivol's win, and while Beterbiev finds himself in top spot, Smith Jr. disagreed and instead put his case forward as to why Bivol should be number one. 

"I still believe Bivol is the best light heavyweight right now, and I believe he will be until I get my rematch," Smith Jr. stated, the American lost to Bivol on points in March 2019. 

"I know he’s great and he put on a great show against Canelo so you can’t doubt him.

"Everyone he’s got in the ring with, he’s made them look ordinary."

If he does get past Beterbiev next month, the current WBO light-heavyweight champion made it clear he wants the undisputed fight with Bivol next. 

"That’s what I want, I want to be undisputed.

"If we can make that fight happen sooner rather than later, I want to become undisputed as quickly as possible."