Zeuge vs Smith: Paul Smith should not receive criticism for taking WBA title fight, says Tony Bellew

Paul Smith should not have received such criticism on social media after taking WBA title fight with Tyron Zeuge, says Sky Sports expert Tony Bellew.

Forget about what the fight is for, it's just a good fight. At the end of the day, what do they want Paul Smith to do?

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If someone offers you an opportunity in this sport, you cannot say no, it's as simple as that. People might not like the fact that he's got another world title fight. I've seen a lot of people on the internet and social media saying that, but what's the lad supposed to do? He's got a family to feed and he needs the fight.

Paul has been in this game long enough and he's mentally strong enough to absorb all the things that people are saying to him. I have put up with it for years myself.

It's a last chance for Paul and I would love to see him pull it off.

They have looked at Paul as a suitable opponent for Tyron Zeuge and they have chosen him. It's a fight that I think Paul can win and it's one that I hope he does win. But it's in Germany and Paul's been there before. He probably knows he needs a knockout to get a draw.

It's the last chance for Paul and I would love to see him pull it off. He's a Scouser and a former gym-mate at Rotunda Amateur Boxing Club. It would be great for the city and great for the family, another Smith as a world champion and they will have one more soon enough in Callum, I'm sure.

Paul Smith vs Tyron Zeuge is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 9pm on Saturday, then Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev II is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 2am on Sunday morning.