Callum Smith vs Hassan N’Dam officially set for June 1

It’s official. WBA super middleweight titleholder Callum Smith (25-0, 18 KOs) will be putting his belt on the line against Hassan N’Dam (37-3, 21 KOs) on June 1st as the co-feature to Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title defense against Andy Ruiz Jr, streaming live on DAZN. This fight has been rumored to have been close in recent weeks, and has now crossed the finish line.

“This is a huge platform and one that Callum fully deserves,” Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said. “He has established himself as the No. 1 168-pounder in the world. N’Dam always brings the action and I believe this will be a high level fight with plenty of fire. The mega fights await Callum and he can’t afford to slip up here.”

Smith, 29, enters this fight coming off a huge knockout win over George Groves last September in the World Boxing Super Series finale. That proved to be a career-best performance for the British fighter, who will now try to parlay that victory into a bigger fanbase in the American audience as he takes stage at Madison Square Garden.

“N’Dam is a good fighter and he’s a former world champion,” Smith said. “He’s only lost to three top fighters and he’s got some great wins on his record. I had him over in England to help me prepare for George Groves so we know each other well. He’s a good mover, has good footwork and can move around the ring pretty well. Experience is on his side and he’s an awkward guy to face. Saying that, he’s definitely a fighter that I should beat and get rid of if I’m on my game.”

His opponent, N’Dam, 35, is a tough veteran who’s been around the block more than a few times. He’s come up short in a few of his biggest fights, but has never really been a pushover for anybody. N’Dam is now obviously past his prime, but he’s probably still crafty enough to make things a little difficult on Smith. N’Dam most recently took a majority decision over Martin Murray last December, and could quite likely be looking at his last opportunity at a major world title.

“I am so pleased and proud for this opportunity to be offered to me and I would like to add that even though the challenge is a big one, this does not affect my focus and my determination,” N’Dam said. “Callum Smith is an excellent boxer with many qualities. As he is tall he can impose his own boxing style on most of his opponents. I have much respect for him both as a boxer and a person. I believe it will be a very tactical fight.”