Thursday 20 August 2015 17:19, UK
Rocky Fielding has dubbed Callum Smith 'over-hyped' ahead of their British super-middleweight clash in Liverpool on November 7.
The Liverpudlians face off at the Echo Arena for the Lonsdale Belt plus the chance of shot at the WBC world title and Fielding, who like Smith is unbeaten, is happy to be seen as the underdog.
The 28-year-old (21-0-KO12) is expecting a sell-out crowd in their hometown and is predicting a stoppage victory.
I think he's a bit over-hyped and I'm under-hyped. It will unfold on fight night and hopefully I can win.
He said: "I don't think it will go the distance. I've got the power to hit him and he thinks the same. But I think he's a bit over-hyped and I'm under-hyped. It will unfold on fight night and hopefully I can win.
"It's a good match, one that everyone's been talking about. It's a big fight that I think is going to sell out. I'm looking forward to it. I have been taking a different path but now our paths will cross and it's a good time to get it on."
As well as becoming British champion, the winner will earn a shot at the WBC world champion - which will result in a domestic world title fight if George Groves can relieve Badou Jack of his strap when the pair meet on September 12 in Las Vegas.
Fielding is ranked highly by three of the four governing bodies but is 12th with the WBC, well behind Smith (17-0-KO12) in second and number one challenger Groves.
"I always knew this was going to happen," added Fielding. "I wanted it to happen sooner and I could have waited a few months to see if him or me had won a world title then we'd fight for that. But we sat down with Eddie Hearn and we've got a good deal and a good platform - the winner will fight George Groves or Badou Jack,
"That is a good incentive for me to take the fight, so it's on and I am happy. I can fight for a final eliminator for a world title. It wasn't worth us just fighting for the British title because we are both up the world rankings.
"I believe in myself and that I am a world-class fighter and can win a world title - it is just starting to sink in. Brian Vera (June) and Noe Gonzalez Alcoba (July 2014) were big steps up and I am starting to believe."
Fielding and Smith started at the legendary Rotunda ABC in Kirkdale but after the former moved on to Stockbridge, the showdown is set to divide Liverpool.
Fielding has already fallen out with Paul Smith and although he has a lot of respect for youngest brother Callum, is in no doubt what the bout means to the city.
"I've always wanted to fight for a major title, headlining at the Echo, selling it out with people coming to watch me and hopefully that will happen," he said.
"I'm looking forward it. It's going to be a big crowd. I've got a lot of fans as it is, but it's two Scousers so Liverpool will come out and support us both - and I've already asked Eddie for 2,000 tickets to sell myself!"
