Former Premier League footballer, Leon McKenzie, says he has defied the odds by earning an English super-middleweight title shot.
McKenzie had an 18-year spell in professional football, beginning his career at boyhood club Crystal Palace and featured for the likes of Charlton, Norwich and Coventry, before retiring three-and-a-half years ago.
Following in the footsteps of his father, best friend and trainer Clinton - a former British and European light-welterweight champion - Leon (8-0-1-KO4) turned professional as a boxer in 2013 and remains undefeated after nine fights.
"It feels amazing to reach this stage even though I haven't got my hands on the belt yet," McKenzie told Sky Sports.
"When I went into boxing very few thought I would reach championship level. It was something myself, my dad and my uncle [three-weight former world champion] Duke had visions of.
"To win the title now would mean the world to me but I already feel like a winner because of the journey I've been on. I can't wait till November 12 to try and achieve what I believe I'm destined to achieve and then the story goes on from there."
McKenzie has battled depression for much of his adult life and continues to campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues.
"I'm very grateful to be in this position but at the same time I know how hard I've worked to get here," he added.
"I've never really stopped working and I see my life as one big fightback. That's why for me, this is bigger than boxing.
"I've been on my knees many, many times - like many other have in this world - but the true test of my character has been my ability to fight back."
McKenzie insists fighting in his DNA and says Leicester-based English champion Smyle (13-4-2-KO2) can expect to be tested like never before.
"Jahmaine Smyle is a very respectful champion to be honest," McKenzie said. "He tried it a little bit but he wasn't really serious so we sort of laughed it off but this fight will be a big test for both of us.
"He's English champion so on paper this should be my toughest fight but I don't think he's fought anyone as good as me or anyone with my attributes.
"Jahmaine is a very fit, strong fighter who is going to want to keep his belt I think I am special.
"As much as people like to talk about my age and the football, boxing runs much deeper than that for me, I have deep spiritual connection to boxing and that's what enables me to do what I'm doing."