Stephen Smith: 'I will take chance with both hands'

British super-featherweight Stephen Smith has revealed that he has already started working on a strategy to overcome Devis Boschiero in Liverpool next month.

Smith has endured a frustrating 15 months but he will finally get the opportunity to compete in a final eliminator for the world title when he faces the Italian on September 19, with the winner moving forward to fight for the IBF belt next year.

The 30-year-old told reporters: "I am delighted that this is finally happening now. I will grab this with both hands.

"He's a strong lad and we've worked on things already that will allow me to get certain shots off against him."

Smith has won 22 of his 23 fights as a professional, while former world title challenger Boschiero has lost just three times in 41 outings in the paid ranks.