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Liam Smith targets Cotto and unification bouts

Fighters Network
15
Dec
Liam Smith at a media workout on Dec. 14, 2015. (Photo by Dave Thompson - Getty Images)

Liam Smith at a media workout on Dec. 14, 2015. (Photo by Dave Thompson – Getty Images)

British pressure fighter Liam Smith defends his WBO junior middleweight title against countryman Jimmy Kelly this Saturday in Manchester, England, but has crosshairs locked on four-weight Puerto Rican legend Miguel Cotto.

Smith, rated No. 9 by THE RING at 154 pounds, captured the vacant belt with a spectacular seventh-round knockout of American John Thompson in October and, despite being at the embryonic stages of his championship reign, carries plenty of ambition.

“I know Kelly is thinking this is his big chance but I’m not going to give him an inch in this fight,” said Smith, who is 21-0-1 (11 knockouts), in a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions. “I’m not going to be foolish and overlook the threat he will bring but there are major fights out there if I come through this one and Miguel Cotto is right up there.

“He has been a great champion and to share the ring with him and beat him will take me to the next level. I definitely believe I have what it takes to overcome Cotto because my style would cause him some big problems.”



The 27-year-old Smith is also interested in unifying the 154-pound division, with WBA titleholder Erislandy Lara and unbeaten IBF titleholder Jermall Charlo on his list of future targets.

He said, “This year has been amazing but next year can be even more special. Fans want to see the best fights and having all the champions face each other makes sense. I believe I can beat anyone in the division and I want to go in there and prove it.”

Information provided courtesy of a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions

Tickets for Andy Lee vs. Billy Joe Saunders and Smith vs. Kelly start at £40 and are available from frankwarren.com, ticketmaster.co.uk, eventim.co.uk and manchester-arena.co.uk. To watch live and exclusive on BoxNation please go to boxnation.com and subscribe.

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