Tuesday 18 November 2014 14:55, UK
Callum Smith is out to complete a boxing hat-trick by becoming only the third man to defeat Nikola Sjekloca.
The super-middleweight prospect will join WBA world champion Arthur Abraham and former IBF holder Sakio Bika if he wins on the undercard of Cleverly v Bellew II, live on Sky Sports Box Office, on Saturday.
Smith (14-0 KO11) admits that Sjekloca (28-2-0 KO8) is far and away the best opponent he has faced since turning professional two years ago on Monday.
But with this fight a WBC eliminator and for their international strap, the 24-year-old is ready to take a gamble
"He has mixed it with some very good fighters," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Only those two [Abraham and Bika] have managed to beat him and both are ranked in the top 10 in the world - and have won world titles.
"But I believe I can reach that level and at this stage of my career I can join them and become only the third man to beat him.
"It is a massive step up. He is by far better than anyone I have faced but I haven't struggled against anyone I have boxed so far.
"I need to step up and this is the right one at the right time."
Watch Smith v Sjekloca live and exclusive as part of Cleverly v Bellew II, on Sky Sports Box Office on November 22, with Joshua, Groves, DeGale and more, also on the bill. Go to skysports.com/cleverlybellew to book.
