Stephen Smith has been preparing for his Commonwealth and British featherweight title defence against John Simpson by sparring with John Murray.

The pair meet in Liverpool on April 27.

And Smith has been getting in shape for the showdown by taking on European lightweight king Murray, who boxes on April 2 in a defence of his title.

The pair are both trained by Manchester's Joe Gallagher.

"Training is going great, it's fantastic to have a guy like Murray in the gym, it really keeps me on my toes," said Smith.

The 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist already has a win over Simpson, winning a split decision in Glasgow in September.