SAM “SNIPER” SMITH says Saturday night could be the start an exciting new chapter in his boxing career as he prepares to finally return to the ring.
Unbeaten Smith (4-0) has not boxed since defeating Josef Obeslo way back in April due to a number of last minute cancellations.
But he is ready to go again with a huge clash against fellow Brit Kirk Garvey in Camden, London in a light heavyweight 10-round Southern Area title eliminator, after the fight was again postponed in Swindon last weekend.
While former Pinewood Starr boxer Smith, 25, has been away from the ring, Garvey has fought twice, including victory on the George Groves undercard at Wembley Arena to take his record to 10-1.
And Smith acknowledges it will be a step up this weekend.
“It’s the toughest test for me and it’ll be the toughest test for him as well,” Sniper told The Wokingham Paper.
“He’s had a lot more fights than me.
“I remember him from the amateurs, he’s a great fighter.
“He was always three years older than me so we never met in the amateurs or anything like that but I know him and he’s well-known within boxing.
“Kirk’s done one eight-rounder and that was his loss. Fighting over 10 rounds is new territory for both of us.
“This will open up bigger doors for me.”
In the past, Smith’s opponents often changed at the last minute, but his fight with Garvey has been arranged for months.
And Sniper admits that has aided his training, much of which was done at Pulse 8 in Wokingham, as he looks to reach new heights in his fledgling career.
“In some ways it feels like I’ve been preparing for this fight for about six months with the same opponent,” said Smith.
“It’s a great fight for the fans and for both of us.
“The winner of this goes onto bigger and better things and the winner will take on other big names.
“Saturday night, I’ve just got to do what I’ve been doing in training and hopefully everything goes to plan.
“I’m really looking forward to it. The better the opponent, the better I perform.
“It’s a shame it’s not a Southern Area title fight. We’re both great fighters and it is worthy of a title.
“But the winner of this is guaranteed of that shot.
“The winner of this will send shock waves through the division.”