Andrade disposes of British challenger Brian Rose – Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten junior middleweight Liam Smith will face Argentina’s David Ezequiel Romero on April 18 and victory could propel him toward a world championship fight against WBO titleholder Demetrius Andrade later this year.

The 26-year-old Smith, a former Commonwealth and reigning British champion, has had a steady learning curve and is now 19-0-1 with nine knockouts. An incursion onto the world scene is now due for the talented Englishman, who is trained by celebrated coach Joe Gallagher.

“This is another step closer to my world title shot and Romero is in my way,” said Smith, via a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions.

“I’ve come too far to let this come to an end and Romero is going to have to be knocked out. Every single fight in my career is important but Andrade is now within my sights, so winning on April 18 is absolutely crucial.

Smith continued, “I’ve seen Romero fight. He’s a good, strong, game kid who will come over here looking for the upset. He’s got his own aspirations of fighting for a world title but there is no way I’ll give ground – I’ll be all over him.”

The Liverpool native features as chief support on a huge night of action for the city as Derry Mathews challenges for the WBA lightweight title against Richar Abril.

Unbeaten pair Scott Cardle and Craig Evans clash for the vacant British lightweight title on May 30 in London.

Cardle, who is also trained by Joe Gallagher, has been a professional for three years and is highly touted. The Englishman is 17-0 with five knockouts but Welsh left-hander Evans should provide the stiffest test of his career to date.

“I’m delighted that Scotty will finally get his shot at the British title and he has a tough fight on May 30,” said promoter Eddie Hearn, via a press release from Matchroom Sport. “Scott has had the perfect education but now it’s crunch time. Craig will have plenty of support and this is a great domestic 50/50.”

The joint co-feature on this show sees Kevin Mitchell challenge Jorge Linares for the WBC lightweight title and Lee Selby looks to rip the IBF featherweight title from Evgeny Gradovich.

Anthony Joshua also faces a tough test against former heavyweight title challenger Kevin Johnson.

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_Gray_Boxing