Callum Smith stresses importance of focus against Hadillah Mohoumadi
Thursday 31 March 2016 22:02, UK
Callum Smith is determined to focus and exhibit further improvement in Saturday's world title eliminator against Hadillah Mohoumadi.
Live Fight Night
The 25-year-old (18-0-KO13) fights in front of his fellow Liverpudlians live on Sky Sports 1 but knows he can ill afford to take European champion Mohoumadi (20-3-1-KO15) lightly with a shot at WBC world champion Badou Jack on the line.
Smith told Thursday's press conference: "I've had a very good camp. Training has gone well and the gym has been busy. That's the way I like it because we all push each other on and we bring the best out of each other.
There's a lot to gain but a lot to lose as well. I can't afford any slip-ups so I've trained great and I'm 100% confident I can come away with the win.
"It's a tough test. It's the European title and I'm looking forward to becoming European champion but it's also a final eliminator. I believe I can become world champion and the win guarantees me a shot at that.
"There's a lot to gain but a lot to lose as well. I can't afford any slip-ups so I've trained great and I'm 100% confident I can come away with the win.
"I expect a good fight. He's shown he's got a good chin at the highest level and his record also suggests he's heavy-handed. I've got to be switched on for the full 12. I believe if I land I can hurt him but I can't expect it.
"I've been pro just over three years and I feel I've progressed and improved each camp. Each fight, I've stepped up and got better and I feel the weekend will be no different."
Mohoumadi, who was last in action in November 2015 when stopping Ericles Torres Marin in the first round, added through his interpreter: "It was a very good training camp and sparring. I respect Liverpool and my prediction is a good fight for the people."
Smith v Mohoumadi is part of an intriguing night of boxing at the Echo Arena, with Scott Cardle v Sean Dodd and Rocky Fielding v Christopher Rebrasse also on the card - tune in from 8pm.
