Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn has warned Callum Smith he can’t afford any slip ups as he prepares to return home next month.
Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces the undefeated Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday, March 11.
The 32-year-old (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.
READ MORE: 'I told you' - Liam Smith sends blunt Chris Eubank Jr knockout message and eyes dream Anfield night
READ MORE: Liam Smith stuns Chris Eubank Jr as Scousers take over Manchester for the night
'Mundo' last fought back in August when he took out Mathieu Bauderlique to win an eliminator for the WBC light-heavyweight title on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua bill in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11," Hearn said.
“Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole.”
While speaking on the fight, Smith said: "Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight.
"He hasn't ever tasted defeat and he's ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11."
A stacked undercard sees WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.
While local light-heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. Paddy Lacey, Campbell Hatton, Johnny Fisher and Rhiannon Dixon will also all feature on the undercard.
“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving,” Heard added.
“Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher!
“Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”
READ MORE:
