Liverpool boxer Stephen Smith is confident he has the tools to become a champion ahead of his world title fight in Monte Carlo on Saturday night.
Smith, who is taking on America’s WBA Super-Featherweight Champion, Jason Sosa, will be hoping to secure a world crown at the second time of asking, after narrowly falling short against the unbeaten Jose Pedraza last April.
Nevertheless, despite his confidence, ‘Swifty’ is fully aware of the quality his opponent possesses and is preparing for a tough contest. Speaking to JMU Journalism, the 31-year-old said: “[Nicholas] Walters is no mug and he got a draw with him, although I didn’t think he did… he got it on paper. Javier Fortuna is a very good fighter, very strong and Sosa knocked him out.
“I’ve got to respect him. He’s a world champion, not by accident, and he’ll get my full respect, but it’s a fight I believe suits me and a fight I know I’ll win.”
Smith, whose record shows 24 wins and two losses, also believes that victory in Monte Carlo will provide the catalyst for him to reach new heights and help him fulfil his potential. He told JMU Journalism: “When I win a world title it’ll be a weight off my shoulders.
YouTube: JMU Journalism
“A lot of people have expected it from me since I turned pro after a good amateur career and I expect it from myself. After I win the world title I think you’ll see the best of me.”
The 31-year-old also provided an update on his youngest brother, Callum, over his future.
The WBC Super-Middleweight Champion, Badou Jack, whose belt Smith was the mandatory challenger for, opted to fight in a unification bout against James Degale instead, but the Scouse boxer said: “The winner has got to fight Callum.
“He’s going to defend his British title against Luke Blackledge, get another notch on that belt, get another good win and bounce into that fight against the winner. He’s very confident against either.”