By Shaun Campbell: So battle for the British Super-middleweight title on the magnificent ‘GR8 Britain vs. The World’ card, James Degale will challenge for his first major title against current holder Paul Smith. For some, it is a surprisingly tough fight to call, as Degale is the young unbeaten prospect, where as Smith will be desperate to show experience is what matters.

Liverpudlian Smith is not an old, washed up fight, having only lost once in his 30. He is only 28 and is probably fighting the best he has ever fought at this moment. There is talk of moving him on the European and world level if he can get past Degale. How true this is is another question, as the winner must defend the title against George Groves next year. The public’s mouths are watering over the prospect of seeing Degale and Groves going at it after the public feud between the pair. But Smith is obviously out to upset everyone by exposing Degale’s inexperience.

This is a fight that will capture the imagination of the public for a few reasons. Paul Smith for me, is British title level. There is a chance he could fight for a European title, but personally Brian Magee (current European champion) will have a little bit too much for Smith. But the British champion has only lost once, and Degale has only had 8 fights. The boxing public has not exactly taken to “Chunky”, with his flash, cocky, attitude and arrogant ring walks. Isn’t there a case that he is brightening things up on the domestic scene? Make of that what you will.

So after 8 fights can Degale become British champion. 6 knockouts on his record so far, but the opponents were fairly poor. Having said that, Carl Dilks, who Degale beat on his last outing was a fighter of decent quality. The young fighter from London got rid of Dilks inside the first round. If he plans the same sort of fight with Paul Smith he will be very surprised. Yes Degale has the punching power, speed and elusive defence, but Smith has a true fighters spirit and will not give in. Also his former trainer Billy Graham (who famously trained Ricky Hatton through the best years of his career) said people will be surprised how hard Paul Smith hits, particularly to the body. So in this fight we will have our questions about Degale answered in my opinion. Can he take a shot? Does he have the heart to be a fighter? What happens when things get tough? Can he fight as well as box? Paul Smith can not out-box James Degale, he has to drag him into waters he has not been in before and make this a fight. If he can do this then maybe it’s the first dent in the Olympic gold medals record.

But for me, and it hurts me to say it because I don’t particularly like the kid, but James Degale wins this fight. He’s very classy, very quick, and looks to hit very hard.

Prediction – James Degale wins via late stoppage.