Liverpool super-middleweight Paul Smith ihas his sights set on an autumn showdown with WBO world champion Arthur Abraham after landing a slot on the undercard of Lee Selby’s WBC title eliminator against Mexican Romulo Koasichaat Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday night [May 17].
Smith who takes on Spainard David Sarabiain in an 8 rounder and told DAILY SPORT Boxing “It is no secret that I want to fight Abraham, it is no secret that talks have been held, and it is no secret that it probably will happen in the autumn
“It would have been a nice scenario to win the British outright and then go for a World title but there is nobody to fight for that so tonight I box an eight rounder to keep active.
“If I get the Abraham fight made for when I think it will be made Saturday will be my last fight before I fight Arthur Abraham, because I am not going to take any chances on injuries. You have seen how many people have busted their hands up recently in fights and had cuts. I am not going to risk anything if I get this World title fight made with Abraham, which is looking very, very likely.
“Abraham is a star in Germany and boxing in Germany is big, really big. He pulls in five, six million viewers on German TV for his fights and that is big money for him. For him to come to Liverpool he has to think the fight is worth it; and a fight against me is just a regular voluntary for him.
“I have no problem going to Germany and getting paid decent money while still being showcased on Sky Sports and still having every chance of beating Abraham. It will be in Berlin, his hometown, where he wants to build up a fan-base.
“I am happy to fight him absolutely anywhere because it is a World title challenge and it is a winnable fight for me. It is a fight I know I can win and anybody looking knows I have a chance. I have said time again I would fight Andre Ward, but it would be a very, very hard night against Andre Ward and I am not calling him out for that reason.
“With all due respect Abraham isn’t on the level of Ward. He was maybe eight years ago at Middleweight but it is a different kettle of fish with him now. He is battle hardened and battle-worn so to speak, but he is very beatable. His style is made for me and I think mine maybe is for him too. I think it is going to gel for a great fight.”