Having fought for the world super-featherweight title twice during his successful career, Briton Stephen Smith is readying himself for a 32nd pro outing.
The 34-year-old, who holds a record of 27-4 with 15 K.O.s, has been nursing a slight injury following a return to action in the spring.
It’s a small setback for ‘Swifty,’ who plans to be out again before the New Year.
After losing to Fernando Vargas in Las Vegas, Smith took over a year out. During the bout, the Liverpool suffered a horror ear injury, which he fully recovered from.
With the lightweight division currently bursting with talent in the UK, Smith will be a solid addition.
Luke Campbell, Lee Selby, Joe Cordina, and stablemate Anthony Crolla campaign at 135. All bar the soon-to-be-retiring Crolla are in the hunt for titles.
A run at the European lightweight championship, which would add to his British title at 126 pounds, is a highly viable target for Smith.
Stephen Smith talks to World Boxing News
“I’m going to give it one last go. Hopefully, I’ll get out before the end of the year. We’ll see what comes from it,” Smith exclusively told World Boxing News.
Asked about any further world title ambitions on the back of two decision defeats, Smith wasn’t looking too far ahead.
“I’m not really putting that out yet,” said Smith. “I just want to get out in the ring first and foremost. It’s just the same as last time.
“I got back, got a couple of wins under my belt, and then had a bit of time out with an arm injury. But it’s just one them things.
“I’m going to get back in and just see what opportunities there are. I’m not going to start calling any world champions out when I’ve been so inactive.
“Once I get winning, see if I can get shot at the European. If I can get the European title, then that puts you back in contention for world title honors.
“But at the moment, it’s one step at a time. I want to aim towards the European title and see where I can go from there.”
Of the above list mentioned, Selby is the man who inflicted the only stoppage loss on Smith’s C.V.
A shocking eighth-round knockout on home soil at the Liverpool Olympia could also be something Smith contemplates avenging.
Selby faces Ricky Burns next month in London. Should Smith be able to secure the EBU strap in the first half of 2020, who knows if a lucrative revenge rematch could conceivably be on the cards.
With brother Callum also eyeing an Anfield homecoming next year, Smith will be a certainty for the undercard.
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