The Panel predicts Callum Smith v Christopher Rebrasse in Liverpool on Friday
Moore, Nelson and McCrory have their say.
Friday 26 June 2015 22:08, UK
Our experts analyse Callum Smith's chances of sending out an emphatic message to the super-middleweight division when he faces the experienced Christopher Rebrasse on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.
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The unbeaten 25-year-old Smith fights in front of his home fans at Liverpool's Echo Arena and headlines the show after being earmarked by Sky Sports pundit Jim Watt as a future world champion earlier in the week.
So does the rest of The Panel agree? Or does Rebrasse stand a genuine chance of silencing Merseyside by derailing the rise of their brightest star?
Let's get the thoughts of Jamie Moore, Johnny Nelson and Glenn McCrory...
Jamie Moore
In terms of potential, Callum Smith could be the best of a packed super-middleweight division. The Rebrasse fight is a great pointer to see if he is going to live up to it.
It's good match-making. I like it when promoters and managers try to get a yardstick. Here, we can compare it to George Groves' performance. That's not entirely fair on Groves as he was on a comedown from the Carl Froch rematch after a heavy knockout.
It's good match-making. I like it when promoters and managers try and get a yardstick. Here, we can prepare it to George Groves' performance.
Regardless, even if it's not a 100 per cent accurate assessment, I think Smith will do a better job than Groves. It will look good as a victory because Rebrasse is an awkward tough customer who will pose problems, but Smith punches hard enough - especially to the body - to get someone out of there early.
If he's going to set himself on the road to those big fights in the near future, this is the perfect fight to do it.
Jamie's prediction: I see Smith winning by stoppage in eight or nine rounds. I think Smith's amateur grounding gives him the fundamentals to box at a good pace. I don't think he'll rush it. I think he'll break him down slowly and from the halfway point I think he'll be in full control.
Johnny Nelson
As a progressive super-middleweight, I rate Callum highly because every time he's been up against it, he's delivered. Rebrasse is the perfect opponent. He's fought Groves and so comparisons will be made between Smith and Groves, obviously.
It's a testing fight, a good graduation fight because on paper, it's his most experienced opponent to date. After this, we can put him in the mix. We want to know he can fight Groves and if he is to be the heir apparent, then we need to see this fight.
If Smith impresses here, then all roads lead to a clash between Smith and Groves.
I think in terms of talent, he's better than Groves but hasn't shown he is as good as James DeGale. James has improved massively since losing to Groves. I'm not having a dig but I think Groves has matured mentally but not necessarily physically.
If Smith impresses here, then all roads lead to a clash between Smith and Groves.
Johnny's prediction: Smith with a stoppage in the second half of the fight. Smith has vulnerabilities and we'll see them. We'll see if his character can take him through this. It will not be easy going for him but he has the punch power and the resolve to come through it. That's what we need to see. We need progression.
Spencer Oliver
I think he's one of the best prospects we've got, if I'm honest. He's so talented.
Rebrasse's style might suit Smith because he stays in the centre of the ring and doesn't move a lot.
This is a significant step up against Rebrasse because Rebrasse gave Groves a hell of a fight last time out. It's a really good test and a milestone for us to see where he's at. Rebrasse is a live opponent.
Rebrasse's style might suit Smith because he stays in the centre of the ring and doesn't move a lot. He keeps his hands nice and tight but Smith is a formidable body puncher as we know. That'll be the key shot for him I think.
Prediction: I fancy Rebrasse to be in it for a few rounds but then I fancy Smith to take over and hopefully record a late stoppage.
Glenn McCrory
Callum could be the most talented of the Smith brothers. You couldn't say he hasn't been let off the leash yet because he's fought decent opponents from the start and made quite short work of them so he's made it look an easy road. He's very talented.
He's got the same characteristics that all the Smith boys have - big heart and good boxing skills. What he's also got is a physical presence. Height, reach and athleticism.
You couldn't say he hasn't been let off the leash yet because he's fought decent opponents from the start and made quite short work of them.
The other three have all done superbly but Callum might have that little bit extra. He's got good skills and sometimes with the height you don't have the power but he seems to have that too.
Glenn's prediction: I think Smith will make a statement against Rebrasse. The Frenchman will test him so it's a really good fight to gauge how good Smith is going to be.
It could be difficult for him because Rebrasse proved against George Groves that he's no fool, but I see a Smith stoppage around 6-8 rounds. That really will be a statement and then they can push him to big things. I'm sure he'll win a world title.
Watch Smith v Rebrasse, Tony Bellew v Ivica Bacurin, Rocky Fielding v Brian Vera and Martin Murray v George Beroshvili live on Friday from 7.30pm, Sky Sports 1
