By Dallan o’ Donnell: This could well be the show stopping fight of the night on a great bill in Liverpool on Saturday. On paper this is a huge step up in class for DeGale who has so far been guided along nicely and matched easily but this is far from easy. Smith is the current British super middleweight champion and is fighting in front of adoring home fans. But the time is most certainly right for DeGale to challenge for this belt. It will be the biggest test of his career so far but many expect him to come through and win despite only having 8 professional fights compared to Smith’s 30.

DeGale has amazing ability for such a novice professional, hand speed, power all the attributes that will make him a world champion one day. But we cannot right off Paul Smith, a talented fighter who is defending his title on home soil. If Smith can take DeGale to the later rounds where DeGale has never been before and rough him up by fighting on the inside making it difficult for DeGale to land clean punches it could be his night.

It will be a test of DeGale’s character to see if he has what it takes to beat a champion in the lion’s den so to speak. It is expected that DeGale will go on to become a world champion and dominate at his weight class and with no disrespect to Smith i think he will. I don’t think going the 12 rounds will affect DeGale in any way. He is super fit and although he will look to knock Smith out he has great self confidence in his ability to get a decision if needed. It will be a great fight, with a great atmosphere come fight night and i expect DeGale to love every minute of the attention he will get. I can see DeGale win by knockout before the 8th.