Callum Smith will face Swedish fighter Erik Skoglund at the Echo arena in Smiths home town of Liverpool on September 16th in the opening belt in the world super eight boxing series .
Smith selected the fellow undefeated super middleweight fighter at the tournament draft in Monte Carlo on July 8 and was delighted to be given a hometown advantage, having been seeded in the draw .
Smith is currently the book makers favourite to win the tournament and lift the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy .
The 27-year-old said: “A ring is a ring no matter where it is but, of course, I’m happy to be fighting in Liverpool.
“This is my home, and this is where all my best performances as a professional have been. I like fighting in Liverpool, and with the crowd behind me, I will have an added advantage on September 16.
“There are no easy fights in this tournament. It’s the best fighting the best, but I believe I made the right decision in Monte Carlo.
“That’s not to say Skoglund is not a good fighter. I think he is a very good fighter. His record speaks for itself, but I think stylistically, he was the right choice for me. It will be a tough test.
“On paper, Skoglund is probably the best fighter I’ve ever faced, and I will need to be at my best to beat him. But every time I’ve been up against it in my career and every time there’s been that fear factor, it’s brought out the best in me and I’m hoping for the same on Sept.