Liverpool boxer Liam Smith will break his near 18 month layoff to face an undefeated Russian in early May.

Smith’s fight announcement came via MTK Global earlier today, pairing him with Russia’s Magomed Kurbanov for the WBO International Super-Welterweight title.

‘Beefy’ (29-2-0) last danced around the four corners in December of last year, where he cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Roberto GarcĂ­a, his third consecutive after getting the better of both Sam Eggington and Mario Alberto Lozano.

On the other side of the pond, Dagestan’s Kurbanov’s ‘0’ remains intact.

At 21-0, the ‘Black  Lion’ undoubtedly looks to add a 14th knockout to his resume, and one of the notable Smith Family would add to his credibility in the Welterweight sphere.

the 25 year old’s impressive dispatch of Dimitry Mikhaylenko inside two rounds asks question’s of Smith’s ability inside the ring.

It is worth noting that Smith has only taken losses to Mexican fighters, in the form of pound for pound giant, Canelo Alvarez and Jaime MunguĂ­a in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

With Smith’s potential fight with Kell Brook earlier in 2020 falling through, the 32-year-old couldn’t ask for a much better opportunity at this point in his career.

Title fight Experience:

What will play a major factor on May 8th is experience within title fights.

Smith, being the elder by seven years, naturally possesses more ring experience, but his time as Super-Welterweight champion between 2015 and 2016 could prove to be priceless in his escapade to the East.

Priceless items are a recurring theme inside the ‘Beefy’ camp, with each of the four siblings being involved in the training process.

Older brothers, Paul and Stephen, possess a wealth of knowledge from their days as British, IBF and WBC champions, but a new training partner in younger brother, Callum ‘Mundo’ has arisen.

The ex WBA Super-Middleweight champ is considering a move to light-heavyweight, after he shared a loss with his brother to the great Canelo.

A move up would make the youngest sibling a heavier, longer, harder hitting version of Liam’s upcoming opponent.

Despite this, an 18 month layoff against an undefeated fighter seems like a lifetime.

The fight will take place in Ekateringburg, Russia on May 8.

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