James DeGale has shrugged off Liverpool's boo boys - and says he hears worse in training.
DeGale will travel to the north west on December 11 to take on local hero Paul Smith at the Echo Arena.
Smith's British super-middleweight title will be on the line, and he will be able to call on the support of a passionate 10,000 capacity crowd.
However DeGale, who was booed on debut in Birmingham but has since won over crowds with his all-action displays, is not bothered by a potentially hostile atmosphere.
"I think it is fair to say that I'm going into the lion's den," said DeGale.
"But the stick that Jimmy McDonnell gives me in the gym means that I don't care where I fight, it gives me a break!
"Jimmy's on at me all the time, telling me I need to buck up my ideas, so having all those people screaming abuse won't make any difference."
Smith added: "It will be good to have the crowd on my side, but to be honest, they can't get in the ring with you.
"I've fought in front of a few hostile crowds in my time, and I don't think it makes much difference at the end of the day.
"The best boxer will win on the night, not the man with the most fans."
