Joe Smith Jr’s story is a well trodden one in boxing. A working class hero who’s striving to hit the pinnacle of the boxing world. His opponent Sullivan Barrera is a Cuban amateur standout, with a single loss to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward.

Both guys will face-off on the undercard of Berchelt-Miura with a view to eventually getting a crack at a World Light-Heavyweight Championship.

Speaking to Thaboxingvoice, Joe Smith Jr. was happy to talk about his upcoming fight after a career best year with knockout wins over Bernard Hopkins and Andrzej Fonfara.

“I’m going to be fighting Sullivan Barrera, I’m looking forward to being back in Los Angeles after having a big win there [last year]. I’m prepared to come back and have another great win and put on another great show.”

The Long Island native is known for his all-action, big punching style and believes his style matches up well with his Cuban opponent, “Great styles, big punchers. It’s going to be a great fight. Two big punchers in there. I’m just excited.”

After a brief (in boxing terms) six month hiatus looking for a big fight, Smith has found one and is eager to step back into the ring and perform: “There’s stuff on [social media] everyday, there should be training and working out. I’m looking to start off my 2017 with a bang!”

Watch Joe Smith Jr. take on Sullivan Barrera for the WBC International Light heavyweight Title, July 15th on the Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura undercard live on BoxNation.

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