SAM “SNIPER” SMITH is hoping Saturday can finally be the start of his charge towards a professional title bout.
Smith, who held an open training session at Wokingham’s Pinewood Starr gym last week where he trained during his amateur days, is unbeaten in his three fights so far since turning pro.
But Sniper’s progression was halted in November when his scheduled headline fight against Kirill Psonko was cancelled at the 11th hour, meaning he has not stepped into the ring competitively for nine months.
And the 24-year-old is eager to get back in action in Swindon this weekend.
“I can’t wait,” Smith told The Wokingham Paper.
“It’s finally going ahead this time. I couldn’t believe that last one got cancelled as that would have been a big publicity thing for me as well to headline.
“But it wasn’t to be and I’m sure I’ll get my chance again.
“We had a bit of downtime over Christmas then start afresh in the new year. I think it did me good.
“I’ve had a long camp for this fight, three months of full on training and now we’re in a really good place.
“It’s probably been my best camp to date.”
Sniper’s opponent for Saturday night is still to be confirmed after the original fighter pulled out through injury.
But he feels confident he’s ready for whatever is thrown at him as he makes the step up to an eight-round fight for the first time.
“I know sparring is quite a lot different to a fight, but you’re still getting hit,” said Smith.
“I think it’s more of a mental thing.
“I would definitely have liked to have had at least one or two fights before this one but it’s hard to get the fights.
“It does make it difficult not knowing who you’re fighting in terms of preparation for example if you’ve been sparring southpaw and he’s an orthodox fighter.
“But I’ve just got to go out there and do my job.
“This is my first eight-rounder. It’s a bit more pressure on yourself but I’ve been performing in the gym over eight rounds so I’ve just got to go out there and perform on Saturday night.”
Before the planned November fight, Smith said he had hoped to be in a position to fight for a British title during 2017.
However, he admits that cancellation has delayed the original schedule.
“The plan is to get a southern area title fight this year or an intercontinental or something like that,” said Sniper.
“That’s what we’re aiming for.
“A British title would be great, but that’s a big step up, especially after just four fights.
“I know the light heavyweight division is absolutely buzzing at the minute.
“There’s so many great fighters in there so you don’t want to be stepping into it too quick.”
Despite the extended nature of the fight, Smith, who is trained by renowned coach Paddy Fitzpatrick, says he is not chasing a knockout victory.
“I never actually go looking for a stoppage win,” he said.
“I think at times when you go looking for stuff like that, it never happens.
“I’ve got a long night, I’ve got eight rounds so just keep chipping away at the jab and see what happens.”
Tickets are still available directly from Sam via email [email protected] or his various social media channels.
