Liverpool’s Liam Smith will defend his WBO super-welterweight world title against Predrag Radosevic at the Echo Arena on June 4th
There was talk of Smith defending against former world champion Austin Trout, but it was confirmed this week he will instead face Montenegro’s Radosevic instead after Trout apparently took another fight.
Smith won his world title last year stopping American John Thompson and then he made a successful defence against Manchester’s Jimmy Kelly, his last three fights have all ended in the 7th round.
Radosevic, 31, is ranked No 11 with the World Boxing Organisation and currently holds their European belt. He has a three fight winning streak since losing his unbeaten record to WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm in July 2013.
The man from Podgorica in Montenegro holds a top record of 30 wins from 31 fights, 11 coming via knockout, in a career spanning 12 years. 31 year-old Radosevic (record: 31-1, 11 KOs) will be looking to cause an upset on his debut on British soil and is a step-up in class for the undefeated Smith (record: 22-0-1, 12 KOs).
‘Beefy’ is looking forward to be back boxing in Liverpool in front of his home fans and is happy with the opponent in front of him. “I’m looking forward to being back home, I haven’t boxed in Liverpool since I won the title, I’ve had two fights in Manchester.” said Smith.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the turnout. I think it’s a good fight for me, I picked this fight last time, I asked for this opponent for my first defence.
“He’s a good solid European fighter. He is kind of like an Arthur Abraham, he’s solid, he’s only lost to Felix Sturm at middleweight, most of his career has been at middleweight, so it’s a good voluntary defence.
“People might think, oh he’s not a big name and because it’s not a mandatory (defence) but when you look into him properly, it’s a good fight and that’s why I chose it last time, now it’s been made this time and I’m happy with the opponent.
Also on the bill: Ellesmere Port star Paul Butler defends his WBO International Super-Flyweight belt against Petchbarngborn Kokietgym, should he win Butler will be guaranteed mandatory position with the WBO, as he seeks to retain a world title.
Former world champion Butler who was trained until recently by Anthony Farnell, is now working with Oliver Harrison, longtime coach of Jamie Moore, Martin Murray, Rocky Fielding and the first pro coach of Amir Khan.
The only boxer to defeat Butler, The quality South African super-puncher Zolani Tete, will feature on the Liverpool show defending his IBF International Bantamweight title.
The very talented Scouser, Ryan Farrag makes the first defence of his EBU European Bantamweight title against Frenchman Karim Guerfi and another scouse class act, Jazza Dickens takes on Spain’s Abigail Medina for the Vacant EBU European Super-Bantamweight Championship.
The night will be made up with contests featuring, Tom Stalker, Liam Williams, Steven Lewis, Josh Leather and Declan Geraghty.
Watch the show Live and Exclusive on BoxNation here.
Tickets available from Eventim here.
Press Conference Video to announce Smith’s world title defence in Liverpool
