Callum Smith is set to defend his WBA Super, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine super-middleweight belts at the M&S Bank Arena on November 23rd.
Promotor Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing announced that big-time boxing is coming back to Liverpool for the first time since Callum’s brother, Liam, headlined a show on 30th March earlier this year.
Smith is taking on WBA mandatory challenger, John Ryder, who has worked his way up to title contention.
Also on this blockbuster card is an all British clash between Liverpool’s own Craig Glover, and his opponent Chris Billam-Smith.
Another eye-catching clash is Liverpool’s Tom Farrell against Birkenhead’s Sean Dodd.
Hard-hitting heavyweight, David Price, is also set to be on the card and looking for a big fight, after comprehensively outclassing Dave Allen last time out.
Smith is highly regarded as the best super-middleweight on the planet and is looking to make a statement in his home town.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to return to Liverpool as world champion to defend my titles.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to bring world championship boxing to the city and hopefully this is the first of a big run of fights here,” Smith told Ring News 24.
It has been a frustrating year for Smith, despite winning the British Boxing Board of Control’s fighter of the year award. Since defeating George Groves in the final of the World Boxing Super Series last September, Smith has only had one fight.
He put on an impressive display on the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz undercard, knocking out Frenchman Hassan N’Dam at Madison Square Gardens.
On paper, Smith is levels above his opponent Ryder, but he still has to take him seriously and cannot get carried away with all the Anfield rumours.
It has been hinted that Smith will headline a show at Anfield in May 2020, in which a massive world-renowned name could be his opponent. All will be revealed after the fight on November 23rd, in which Smith should make light work of veteran John Ryder.
(Image – Rodhullandemu under creative commons license)
