Paul Smith says he will get his world-title chance in September.
The Liverpudlian super-middleweight told Ringside that he will face WBO champion Arthur Abraham in Germany.
Smith says the late-September showdown is almost done and will now get the chance to become another British super-middleweight world champion – ahead of George Groves and James DeGale, who have both beaten him.
I’m just waiting for the Sauerlands to give me that call and invite me over for a press conference to announce it, he told Ringside.
It’s their show, it’s their promotion but it is that close. I think all we need is a venue; the O2 Arena in Berlin is booked at the moment, so they are looking for another venue in Berlin.
Perfect
Smith could join Carl Froch as a super-middleweight world champion by beating Abraham.
He sparred with The Cobra ahead of his one-sided victory over the Armenian-born fighter back in 2010 and believes a repeat performance is well within his capabilities.
But Smith readily admitted he is going to have to produce the fight of his life.
Carl showed the perfect way to beat him, though I never thought I’d see it on the night as easy as it was for Carl, he said.
No disrespect to Abraham; I’ve said it time and time again, he’s a great champion and he’s going to be the hardest fight I’ve ever had and he’s going to be the best opponent I’ve ever been in the ring with.
But this is my world title fight as well and I am going to give it everything. I know my style is made for him but his style is made for me and the way I fight.
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