Paul Smith hoping for world title chance after 11 months out
Friday 6 May 2016 10:35, UK
Paul Smith has his sights set on another world-title attempt but is more concerned about returning to the ring for the first time in almost a year.
The eldest of Liverpool's boxing brothers makes his return with a six-round contest against Daniel Regi at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, before Anthony Crolla defends his WBA world title against Ismael Barroso, live on Sky Sports.
Smith (35-6-KO20) failed in back-to-back attempts to win the WBO world title from Arthur Abraham before losing to former super-middleweight No 1, Andre Ward, at catchweight in his last fight 11 months ago.
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Despite not expecting another chance at a world title, Smith says he would be ready should the opportunity arise.
"I'm not too bothered with how I perform, I just want to get the win, get rid of the cobwebs and shake the rust off and get back to fighting again," Smith told Sky Sports.
"I didn't do myself justice against Ward who, in my opinion, is the best fighter in the world at super-middleweight or light-heavyweight so I need to get back in, go through the gears and set myself up for the next one as soon as possible.
"One more then I will be ready for anyone that calls and wants to fight, but there is a misconception that I am demanding world-title fights. I am not, but I do want them.
"I am not knocking on the doors of world champions demanding this and that, they were the ones that phoned me. Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham's people got in touch."
Smith's brother, Callum, is closing in on a WBC challenge, however, having had two operations and becoming a father during his 11 months out, the 33-year-old is only concerned about getting back in the ring.
"I am really looking forward to this," he added. "I am buzzing. Yesterday I went to the press conference but not just to support my brothers or my mates or do a bit of work for Sky Sports, I was there for myself to answer questions about fighting.
"People have been asking if it's a bit weird, getting up for a six-rounder but I am right up for it. It is a fight and as soon as I walk to the centre of the ring and touch gloves, it doesn't matter, it is a fight."
Watch Anthony Crolla v Ismael Barroso live from 7.30pm, Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2.
