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Rising Contender Callum Smth Ready For Next Step
By Terence Dooley
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn brought the press together today ahead of Saturday night’s show at Liverpool’s Echo arena. Callum Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) headlines against EBU Super middleweight holder Hadillah Mohoumadi (20-3-1, 15 early) as he bids to add another title to his growing collection.
Support will be provided by the British lightweight title rematch between Scott Cardle (19-0, 6 stoppages) and the city’s Sean "Masher" Dodd (10-2, 2 KOs). Local favourite Rocky Fielding (21-1, 12 KOs) meets France's Christopher Rebrasse (24-4-3, 6 early) for the vacant WBC International title and Paul Smith (35-6, 20 KOs) fights for the first time since losing to Andre Ward in America last year. Smith will face hungary's Daniel Regi (28-13, 15 stoppages) in a scheduled six-round light-heavyweight contest.
“This is a huge top table of nationalities and belts,” said Hearn. “This is a great, great card on Saturday night. Callum Smith is on the verge of huge things in the 168lb division.”
“I've got a tough test—I'm looking forward to becoming European champion,” added Smith. “I've said since I turned pro that I wanted to be world champion. He has a good work-rate and is heavy handed. Each fight I've stepped up and got better and better.”
The Champion kept things short and sweet, declaring that: “I expect a good fight for the fans and I’ve trained hard.”
Smith wiped out Fielding in a single round last year. Fielding vowed to get back into contention on Saturday by beating the experienced Rebrasse.
“As soon as this was mentioned to me, I wanted it,” he revealed. “He's a good fighter, he comes forward and he's there throughout. I trust [trainer] Oliver Harrison to have devised the perfect game-plan. ”
“I've had very good preparation,” stated Rebrasse. “I want to return to France with WBC International title. I expect a hard fight with Fielding.”
Cardle and Masher fought to a 12th-round TKO at the same venue in November. The rematch is a real trade fight and both men believe they have the keys to victory.
“I'm more than ready for Cardle this Saturday,” was the challenger’s take on the contest. “We all know how good he is. I was only 50% in that last fight, wait until Saturday. I'm ready for an early start or a late finish—it depends on whatever he brings.”
“Apparently I didn't want this in Liverpool again, but I'm no bottle job,” said Cardle when asked about fighting in his opponent’s home city again.
“I’m looking forward to righting all the wrongs (from their first fight). “I've got to be cooler on Saturday. Dodd can only box one way. There will be a lesson on Saturday—I'll be doing the teaching.”
Joe Gallagher has three fighters on the bill now that “Smigga” has been added; he expects a busy yet prosperous night. “It is great to have Paul on the bill on Saturday,” said Gallagher.
“Marcus Morrison is looking to go 10-0. We saw how much the British title means last Saturday night—all of our thoughts and wishes are with Nick Blackwell. This is another huge step up for Callum. It's going to be a great fight with a great atmosphere.”
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