Friday 24 April 2015 10:34, UK
Paul Smith will return to the ring against another world champion when he faces unbeaten Andre Ward this summer.
The Liverpool super middleweight will go up against the WBA super-middleweight champion when he faces the undefeated American, exclusively live on Sky Sports on June 20
Smith, 35-5 (20 KO’s), suffered back-to-back defeats against WBO champion Arthur Abraham in his last two fights but the 35-year-old is itching to bet back in the ring.
"I cannot wait to get back in the ring and test myself against a class act like Andre Ward," said Smith.
"I proved that I belong at the top level with my performances against Arthur Abraham and this is a challenge that I am relishing.
“Andre is a top pound-for-pound fighter and someone I respect a lot, but he has only boxed once in almost three years and I will give it everything I have got.
"I am fresh and confident going into this fight. It's a massive opportunity for me and one that I took with both hands when it was offered. I have spent a lot of time boxing in the United States and I look forward to returning for this fight."
I am fresh and confident going into this fight. It's a massive opportunity for me and one that I took with both hands when it was offered.
Ward will be cheered on by his hometown fans in Oakland’s Oracle Arena when he returns from a 19-month lay-off against the former British champion.
The 31-year-old has fought just twice since defeating Carl Froch in 2011, claiming a one-sided points win over Edwin Rodriquez in his last fight in November 2013.
“I have an extremely tough fighter in front of me in Paul Smith, who's looking to pull the upset, but I can't let that happen,” said Ward.
"I have to be on my best game to turn Smith away and beat him the way I want to beat him. As always, I'm ready to put on a tremendous performance in front of my hometown fans.”
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