Wednesday 4 November 2015 15:30, UK
Callum Smith will have too much class for Rocky Fielding when the pair meet for the British super-middleweight title on Saturday, says Anthony Crolla.
The Liverpool rivals meet at the Echo Arena - live on Sky Sports - with several pundits picking Fielding (21-0-KO12) to cause an upset. Crolla, however, believes Smith (17-0-KO12) will be a cut above on the night.
The Mancunian, who is preparing for his world title rematch with Darleys Perez on November 21, said: "I believe it comes down to Callum being a level above him. That is what I feel. Some people might disagree with that but I feel that come Saturday that is what will show.
"I believe that Callum is destined to be a world champion, I really do. I have seen in the gym and I look at him and I tell young amateur kids if there is one person to watch it is Callum Smith because of how technically correct he is.
I believe Callum is a level above Rocky and that is without meaning any disrespect to Rocky. I think Rocky is improving all the time.
"I believe Callum is a level above Rocky and that is without meaning any disrespect to Rocky. I think Rocky is improving all the time and he is a good fighter and he will come back after this to win titles, but I believe on Saturday, Callum will show his a level above Rocky.
"I think Rocky has gone under the radar a little bit and he has learned his trade well. There is no doubting, and no denying, that he has improved fight-by-fight. I think Rocky is a very good fighter but I believe, and no disrespect to Rocky in any way.
"I think there are a few major factors in how the fight will go. One is who establishes the jab better and first; that will play a huge part in it. Another factor will be who does the 12-round distance better. That is another thing I feel that Callum has in his favour because he has done it against better opponents.
"I know they will both be in the best shape of their career but I do believe that little bit of experience for Callum, having been in with the better lads, will also come into play.
"Is very tricky to call if the fight will go to distance. A lot of that will depend on how Rocky approaches the fight. If Rocky starts exchanging then probably not but if it becomes a bit of a chess match then I think Callum will either get him late or on points."
On the same bill, Scott Cardle defends his British lightweight title against Sean Dodd and Tom Doran faces Rod Smith in a British middleweight title eliminator.
