Returning Callum Smith targets British bout after Chris Rebrasse battle
Undefeated super-middleweight Callum Smith will take on the talented Christopher Rebrasse in Liverpool this weekend hoping for a triumph on home soil, which could lead to a high-profile all-British bouts with George Groves and Rocky Fielding.
Liverpool’s Echo Arena will be the scene of Smith’s 17th professional fight, with the rapturous crowd in his home city set to spur this shining British boxing star to victory (13/8 with Coral to gain decision), over an opponent who bears from the French capital of Paris.
Rebrasse will hope to inject some Va-Va-Voom into his performance against one of Britain’s biggest sporting hopes, and will be eager to revive his career, after the disappointing loss of his European super-middleweight crown to Groves, having overcome Mouhamed Ali Ndiaye to earn it beforehand.
Although, the Frenchman faces a tough test against Smith, a slick natural fighter who possesses an abundance of skill and lightening reflexes, but Rebrasse proved he is no pushover after going the distance in his decision defeat to Groves in September last year (16/1 for stoppage).
A confident, yet respectful Merseysider, Smith can make a genuine statement in his latest bout by doing a better job than his fellow countryman Groves did, and he is odds-on 4/7 to secure victory by knock-out or TKO.
Unbeaten Smith can also stake a claim for a potential bout with fellow Scouser Fielding in the near future with a momentous triumph, claiming he would have no objections to facing his counterpart later this calendar year.
“That is a big fight in Liverpool. We’re both undefeated and there’s a lot of demand for that fight. If we both come through Friday then we’ll sit down and talk,” stated Smith.
“I’d love to win the British title. I’ve seen my three brothers fight for it and it’s a great belt to win. If that fight comes, I’d jump at it. It’s a fight I’m 100 per cent confident I’d win.”
Looking even further ahead, Smith is hopeful that Londoner ‘Saint’ Groves can see off the threat of Badou Jack and obtain the WBC super-middleweight crown, with the expectation that his fellow Briton will then defend the title on home soil.
“The WBC is the one I’m ranked highly with so that’s the route I’m going to go. I’m not calling Groves out personally, I’ve got nothing against him. I just want to become a world champion,” he continued.
“I think me beating Groves for a world title is a much bigger fight than me beating some American. Britain loves a domestic fight. I’d like him to win it but if he doesn’t, I’ll go after whoever’s champion.
“There are many British super-middleweights who believe they can go on and become world champions so the next year or two is going to be really exciting. There are a lot of big fights in British boxing. If I can be involved in them then why not?”
Smith is regarded as one of the rising stars if British boxing and he will be out to live up to his current billing on a return to home turf, having last stopped Olegs Fedotovs in the first round in Birmingham last May.
“I’ve boxed all over the country and enjoyed every minute of it but it’s nothing compared to fighting in front of my own fans in my own city.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Rebrasse. He’s got great durability. He went the distance with Groves and has never been stopped. He gave Groves 12 tough rounds and I’m expecting the same. If I stop him, that’s a bonus.
“It should be a great night on Friday and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Smith’s anticipated return to the ring can be viewed on Sky Sports 1 this Friday night from 19:30 BST, with Rebrasse 22/1 to spoil the party and secure a points triumph.
