Monday 8 December 2014 17:05, UK
Paul Smith has been granted a rematch against WBO super-middleweight champion Arthur Abraham on February 21 in Berlin.
The Liverpudlian suffered a points defeat against Abraham in September, but a hard-fought contest was overshadowed by the scorecards, with the German receiving wide margins from all three judges.
Smith’s work-rate was barely acknowledged by the officials, one of whom, Fernando Laguna, awarded a 119-109 verdict to the champion, and the WBO held an investigation into the scoring.
The governing body initially insisted that Abraham was under no obligation to defend his belt against Smith again, but ‘King Arthur’ has agreed to the return bout.
Smith must prepare for another trip to Germany, but expects to receive even-handed treatment from the judges in the second bout.
I now know I can handle myself at world level. I know he can’t hurt me and I know I can hurt him.
"It was a very close fight," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "It was a travesty the way it was scored and all I’ve asked for is a fair crack of the whip and now, after the controversy last time, I believe I’ll get a fair crack of the whip.
"The judges are going to be scrutinised and I’ll be in fantastic shape come fight night as I’m sure Arthur will improve as well. It really is making for a great fight."
The 32-year-old former British champion emerged with plenty of credit after troubling the respected Abraham, but still believes he can raise his standards even higher.
"Watching it again, I know I can do more," said Smith. "I’m watching it and I’m not thinking ‘wow, I’ve reached the level I’ve reached, the best I can do.’ I’m watching it now and I’m thinking I should have done that, I should have attacked again and there are a few should ofs that I can get right this time, and make them into reality.
"My confidence has improved knowing that I can go in there at world level and hold my own.
"I’ve said time and time again, a fighter will always believe he can do it, but going in there and knowing you can do it is a different matter. I now know I can handle myself at world level. I know he can’t hurt me and I know I can hurt him."
Smith is the third British fighter to be chasing a world title in the division, with James DeGale and George Groves also targeting belts in 2015.
DeGale is mandatory challenger for Carl Froch’s IBF title, while Groves occupies the same position for Anthony Dirrell’s WBC belt.
