Tuesday 29 March 2016 16:20, UK
Callum Smith says he is ready to win the biggest fight of his career and earn a world title shot.
The Liverpool super-middleweight meets Hadillah Mohoumadi on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1, with the European title and a crack at Badou Jack's WBC belt up for grabs.
And the 25-year-old (18-0 KO13) insists the time has come to push for world honours despite his relative youth and inexperience.
I'm a big believer that, if you're good enough, then why wait around fighting a load of journeymen for a few years?
"I've been a pro for just over three years now, and I think I've come a long way in the three years," Smith told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I'm a big believer that, if you're good enough, then why wait around fighting a load of journeymen for a few years? If you're good enough, then step up.
"I've gradually done that and passed each test, and landed myself a final eliminator for a world title. If I didn't feel I was ready then I wouldn't be here."
Smith, who most recently stopped Liverpool rival Rocky Fielding in a convincing one-round blitz, returns to the Echo Arena this weekend against 35-year-old Mohoumadi.
The Frenchman (20-3-1 KO15) has a defeat to James DeGale on his record but, despite being a decade older than Smith, has fought just six more fights.
"It's a tough fight, he's a good fighter - the European champion," Smith said. "He's strong, he's fit, he comes forward and he's coming to win.
"It's one step away from a world title fight which I'm sure he wants as much as me. He's coming to win and take my unbeaten record but I've trained well.
"I've trained very hard. I'm ready for a good 12 rounds and I don't see any way I can lose.
"I'm 100 per cent confident I'll win and go on to become world champion."
Watch Smith vs Mohoumadi on Saturday at 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
