NOTTINGHAM – Dalton Smith is aware of what is at stake against Walid Ouizza in their bout on Saturday at the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham, England.
Smith and Ouizza contest the European junior-welterweight title, and Smith, 27, has been vocal about how he plans to push for world honors hereafter. At Thursday’s press conference he was therefore asked if he is looking too far ahead.
“This is a world-title fight for me because I know what comes after,” Smith said. “Expect a big performance from me.
“Quite a lot of my fights the level has stepped up every time. I want to go in there and put on a performance. I need to put in a big performance so people remember this kid is good.
“I’m still young and I’m in this game for the long run. I want to collect every belt and look back and say I done that.”
The Matchroom chief executive Frank Smith also spoke, in the absence of Eddie Hearn, who is in Las Vegas for Diego Pacheco-Steven Nelson. He regardless insisted that a win would push Dalton Smith on to the world stage, and revealed that he had spoken to him about potential fights with Liam Paro and Devin Haney.
“Dalton Smith will fight anyone,” Frank Smith said. “I’ve had conversations with him about Devin Haney.
“I’ve had conversations with him about Liam Paro when Paro was world champion. I definitely see [Smith fighting for a title this year].”
France’s Ouizza enters Saturday’s fight following two big knockout wins and is filled with confidence.
“This is my moment,” the 33 year old said. “This is what I’ve come here for and I’m on my path to victory.
“Wins on the way to a big match like this make you think another is on the way.
“I’m here to win and hopefully head back to France with a victory.”
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