Anfield "could host boxing on its pitch" in June for the first time since '49, according to Ron Lewis of the LONDON TIMES. Promoter Eddie Hearn is "holding talks with Liverpool about it being the venue" for Callum Smith's vacant World Boxing Council super-middleweight title bout against Anthony Dirrell. A purse bid will be held in Mexico City on Friday for the "right to stage the bout for the belt." Hearn "hopes to conclude talks with Liverpool prior to the purse bid taking place." Hearn said, "My bid for the fight will differ significantly on whether we can get Anfield or not." Anfield could host a crowd of "more than 30,000," while the biggest indoor arena in the city, the Echo Arena, has a capacity of "around 11,000." Staging "big fights" in outdoor stadiums is "becoming the norm again." A crowd of 90,000 is expected for the world heavyweight title clash between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko on April 29, while "talks are ongoing" for Kell Brook to defend his Int'l Boxing Federation welterweight title at Bramall Lane, home of League One side Sheffield United (LONDON TIMES, 3/1).