By Elliot Foster

Liam Smith believes the first defence of his world title is a straightforward victory.

Smith (21-0-1, 11 KOs) is set to face relatively unproven Jimmy Kelly Jnr (16-0, 7 KOs) at Manchester Arena, despite the Mancunian, 23, never having fought for a British or Commonwealth title, two belts which the champion has already held.

“We couldn’t get the first couple of fighters that we asked for [Shane Mosley and Carlos Molina], they couldn’t be done,” said Smith.

“The fight is in five weeks and we needed to hurry up with the selection [of the opponent], but I’m going to show him on the night that he’s not at my level and that the title is going to be coming back to Liverpool.”

The destination of that coveted WBO trinket after the pair have clashed in the north west derby is up for debate, however, as Kelly –– who won the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title in his last fight –– is expecting the belt to stay in same city as the arena in which the fight is being held.

“He’s been using my name in interviews for a long time now,” said ‘Beefy’, 27, of Kelly, “and he hasn’t even boxed for a British title.

“His trainer [Ensley Bingham] has told my trainer [Joe Gallagher] that he’s not ready for me, but he’s been given the opportunity and now he’s got to grow a pair of balls and back up what he’s saying.”

‘Kilrain’ Kelly has won a WBC Youth world title in his career up to now and believes he has the better amateur background of the pair, who donned Liverpool and Manchester United FC football shirts when they met head-to-head at a press conference to formally announce the fight.

He said: “I’m just happy to be given the opportunity. I thank everybody who’s put it in play and I’m excited.

“It’s a fight that I’m glad to have and one that I’ve pushed for. I think Smith and his team have made the wrong decision in picking me [as the challenger].

“My dad is close with Joe Gallagher and they’ve been friends for a lot of years, so I think the fight has been pushed by Joe as a personal vendetta to try and get one over on myself and my Dad.

“I think his judgement has been clouded and I think, as the fight goes on, he’ll start to realise that.”

But while the man ranked number eight by the WBO is honoured to be getting into the ring with Smith, the Scouser believes his challenger will provide him and his family with a great festive season.

“I'm going to wipe the floor with this nugget and show the difference in levels; why I'm a world champion and why he isn’t even in my league and shouldn’t be in the ring with me.”

“He’s a gift,” Smith continued after being questioned over the credibility of last opponent John Thompson, who he stopped inside seven rounds to win the vacant crown at the Manchester Arena last month.

“I was asked after my last fight whether I wanted to have a rest, go on holiday and celebrate becoming a world champion, but I wanted to defend my title before the year was out and Jimmy Kelly has just stood up and showed me that he’s ready to give me my Christmas wages.”

Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz