Tuesday 17 February 2015 13:09, UK
Paul Smith believes Arthur Abraham is past his best and plans to pull off a convincing win over the WBO super-middleweight champion this weekend.
The 32-year-old Merseysider suffered a contentious points defeat against Abraham last September, but his impressive performance earned him a rematch this Saturday night in Berlin, live on Sky Sports.
Both men remained respectful ahead of their first meeting, but Smith has been irritated by Abraham’s recent suggestions that he will win the rematch by knockout.
He spotted signs of decline in the 34-year-old champion and insists he is far more capable of producing a stoppage victory.
Smith told Sky Sports News HQ: “He’s saying that I won’t hear the final bell and I’m banking on it myself if I’m honest with you. I don’t want to hear the final bell. I believe I can get him out of there.
"I think he’s old and showing his age and I believe I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from the last fight. There is a lot more I can do from the last fight which I’ve learnt from and I’ve picked up on.
“I’ll be surprised if he’s even watched the last fight. He’s a three-time world champion - it’s not something that he will worry about.
I think he’s old and showing his age and I believe I’ve learnt a hell of a lot from the last fight.
“It’s alright him saying he’s going to knock me out. He said it the last time. He couldn’t do it last time and he won’t do it this time.”
Smith troubled Abraham with his steady work-rate and is confident he can crank up the pressure further in a few days times.
Asked what to expect Smith said: “A new British world champion - tune in to watch that, tune in to support, tune in to see it happen.
“I know I can beat him. I know I’ve got everything I need in the tank to beat him. Everything has been done right in camp, I’m bang on form, I’m in shape and I’m more than ready.”
You can watch Paul Smith's world title challenge against Arthur Abraham this Saturday night, starting at 7.30pm on Sky Sports 3.
