Don’t worry Joe – Smith plays down Gallagher’s concerns

CALLUM Smith insists the location of his World Boxing Super Series semi-final against Jurgen Braehmer will not affect the outcome of the fight.

Smith will have to travel to Braehmer’s home country Germany for the fight in Nuremberg on February 24.

His Bolton-based trainer Joe Gallagher was unhappy about the prospect of not having the bout on neutral ground, but Smith doesn’t see it being a problem.

“I believe I will beat Jurgen Braehmer anywhere in the world and it is a nice away trip for my fans,” he said.

“I am the better man, the younger, fresher man, and I believe I will do what needs to be done to get to the final.”

Smith heads into the fight on the back of his unanimous decision win over Erik Skoglund in September, while Braehmer picked up a points win over Rob Brant, and the German boxer is convinced he will overcome Smith and reach the final.

“I am looking forward to the fight. Callum is a good fighter, but I feel confident I will win this fight,” he said.

“I am in this tournament because I strongly believe I have the ability to win it. Next step towards my goal is a victory in Nuremberg.”

The winner of next month’s fight between Smith and Braehmer will face the winner of the other semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jnr, with that bout set to take place at the Manchester Arena on February 17.