The war of words between Paul Smith and George Groves is heating up as the pair prepare to for their British and Commonwealth super-middleweight title fight at Wembley.
Smith, who lost the British title to James DeGale last December, says he is ready to go the full 12 rounds with Groves to win it back. Groves collected the title after a majority decision victory over Degale in May.
Fans hoping for a DeGale-Groves re-match may have missed Smith as he prepares to stop Groves in his tracks.
Groves was summoned by Smith to appear in his post-fight interview after the Liverpudlian beat Paul Samuels last time out and Groves now feels he has the beating of him after their face-to-face exchange.
"I said after that fight that 'styles win fights' and I know I have the style to beat him," Smith said.
"He leaves himself open. I feel he is an overrated fighter who had a one-off performance against DeGale.
"DeGale is an awkward fighter to face. When you get in the ring he surprises you with the shots he throws. But Groves had the advantage of having sparred with him in the past - there was no shock factor. His win against DeGale does not give me any nightmares."
Smith is not looking beyond his clash with Groves, despite the fact that a win could secure him another crack at the newly-crowned European champion DeGale.
"I am not thinking about that at all," he stated. "At the moment everyone is writing me off and Groves is the one going on to a rematch. My focus is just to spoil his plans. He can talk about DeGale but all I want is my title back.
"I'm going the extra mile for this one but I always do. I have never been as fit as I am now. I feel I have a new lease of life going into this fight. Without doubt I can prevent this going the distance. We will have to see on the night, but I have prepared for 12 very brutal rounds."
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