Niek does not have knack to trouble Smith

IT is never easy when an opponent drops out at short notice. Then again, in the case of Callum Smith in Nuremberg tonight, it will be harder for the man stepping in.

Smith is a mature fighter, unbeaten in 23 bouts, and ready to push his claims on the world stage.

His opponent after the withdrawal of Juergen Braehmer through illness, Nieky Holzken, is unbeaten in 13 but in at the deep end.

Smith (above, with Holzken) would have beaten Braehmer anyway in my opinion. Braehmer was seriously unimpressive against Nathan Cleverly 14 months ago, retiring at the end of the sixth when behind on all cards.

Smith will be looking to get this contest out of the way without fuss to line up a date with George Groves in the final of the World Boxing Series.

Groves put his shoulder out throwing the jab in the final round against Chris Eubank Junior last week and hopes to be fit to make the original July date. If he isn’t then common sense must prevail and Groves (right) be given time to recover.

Smith, like Groves, is a big super-middleweight and poses a greater threat than Eubank Jnr.

Smith’s trainer Joe Gallagher has done a great job with him. Tall and rangy, he has a good left hook, throws good combinations and is a good, attacking fighter.

Groves was too big for Eubank Jnr, had too much for him all round. I like Eubank and his dad, but it is time for him to rethink the way forward.

If I were him I would drop back to middleweight and find a trainer he can work with to develop a more aggressive, attacking style.

As I pointed out last week, Eubank, like his old man did, prefers his opponents to come to him. Groves was never going to do that and Eubank did not have an answer.

I expect a higher-quality contest with Smith. Not that last week lacked intensity. Eubank always brings that.

As for tonight, Smith just needs to keep it together, take a look at Holzken, and work it out in the ring. It will be fascinating to see how he copes.

The World Series has been a success, but it is not like football. If a boxer gets injured or falls ill you have a problem. Holzken has 10 KO’s to his name so Smith will have to be watchful but he should have enough to make it a comfortable night in Germany.