Smith Should Get Wbc Shot Despite Matias' Failed Test - Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn hopes Dalton Smith will conflict for a world title aft nan Briton's bout pinch WBC light-welterweight champion Subriel Matias was thrown into jeopardy.

Matias and Smith were group to meet connected 10 January successful New York, but nan Puerto Rican has tested affirmative for a banned substance.

The WBC confirmed it had received notification from nan Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) "regarding an adverse finding".

Matchroom's Hearn, who promotes undefeated Smith, 28, said nan business is "a mess" but is still hopeful nan Sheffield combatant will get his chance.

"The WBC will astir apt opportunity to maine that it should beryllium Dalton against adjacent successful line," Hearn told nan 5 Live Boxing pinch Steve Bunce podcast.

"I do judge successful contamination but what I want much than thing is for it to beryllium dealt pinch swiftly.

"Hopefully Dalton Smith will get nan opportunity. Put Matias successful recess and springiness him his owed process."

Matias and his squad are yet to publically remark connected reports he tested affirmative for ostarine, but nan WBC said a general investigation has been launched and he is afloat co-operating.

The 33-year-old has until 1 December to petition for a B sample to beryllium tested.

Matias hit Alberto Puello to triumph nan loop via mostly determination successful July.

Puello's squad asked nan WBC for an contiguous rematch but nan sanctioning assemblage rejected those appeals and said Matias had to take sides against mandatory challenger Dalton.

"The WBC said nan victor of Dalton v Matias would conflict Puello, truthful you'd deliberation it will beryllium Dalton against [Puello] for nan vacant title and Matias tin conflict nan victor if he comes backmost cleared," Hearn said.

"It's a spot of a messiness but we want to make judge Dalton gets his opportunity."