Paul Smith vows to repay fans by defeating Arthur Abraham
Saturday 27 September 2014 22:08, UK
Paul Smith has vowed to repay his loyal travelling fans by winning the WBO super middleweight champion title in Germany on Saturday night.
The Liverpool boxer faces the biggest test of his career when he challenges defending champion Arthur Abraham at the Sparkassen Arena in Kiel, live on Sky Sports.
Over 8,000 fans have travelled to Germany to support the 31-year-old, including former two-weight champion Ricky Hatton, while Wayne Rooney has a private jet on standby to fly him to the fight after Manchester United take on West Ham at Old Trafford.
“It means a hell of a lot to see the support that is coming over to back me,” said Smith. “It is so humbling to see that people will pay their hard-earned money to come and watch me fight.
“Times are hard, I am not playing the violin that is just how it is, people have better things to do than pay for a flight, hotel, ticket, spending money when they are over here just to watch me and support me but they are doing it and they are doing it in their hundreds.
“That is something I am really grateful for and something I can only try my best to repay by winning this belt but I will give everything I have got.”
It’s a massive day on Merseyside as Liverpool host Everton at lunchtime in the first Merseyside derby of the season, and while Reds skipper Steven Gerrard is focused on that crunch clash, he is backing Smith to bring the belt home.
“I support and follow all of our local fighters, whether it be any of the Smith brothers, Rocky Fielding, Tony Bellew, just to name a few,” Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.
“I love watching and seeing the local lads do well. The hard work, sacrifice and dedication the lads put in is incredible. They deserve all the credit they get.
“This weekend we see Paul Smith go in for the biggest fight of his career and I wish him all the best. It’s a tough fight for him but I know how much he wants this. If he performs to his max, I’m sure he can bring that belt back home”.
Watch Paul Smith v Arthur Abraham this Saturday from 8.30pm on Sky Sports 2 HD.
