British super-middleweight champion Paul Smith is after a Merseyside double this weekend – alongside X-Factor’s Rebecca Ferguson.
Smith defends his Lonsdale belt against rival James DeGale at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday in a massive domestic showdown, live on Sky Box Office..
And as well as backing himself for victory, he also thinks singing sensation Ferguson will romp home in the X-Factor grand final.
“Liverpool’s a proud fighting city and a proud singing city, and we’ll see those two qualities this weekend,” said Smith.
“I’ve been following Rebecca on X-Factor, and she’s definitely on course to knock out the rest of the competition – just like I’m on course to knock out James DeGale.
“What with her success on X-Factor, and me fighting DeGale, there is a real buzz about the city at the moment, and things will just get better over the weekend.
“I’ll be on the phone to her either today or tomorrow to wish her the best of luck.”
Music fan Smith is himself a former club DJ who has enjoyed chart success with some of his remixes.
“There have been some massive acts out of Liverpool, it’s not just about the Beatles up here,” he said.
“But the sound of my gloves landing on DeGale’s chin on Saturday will be the sweetest music I’ve ever heard.”
Former X-Factor winner Alexadra Burke is expected to be ringside to watch the big fight.
Remaining tickets for the Return of the Magnificent Seven, priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250, are available from:
The Liverpool Echo Arena
0844 800 0400
www.echoarena.com
Ticketmaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Sky Box Office
Available in HD or standard definition on Sky Box Office for £14.95 / 21.95 Euros from 8pm on Saturday 11 December. Further viewings at 9am, 1pm and 7pm on Sunday 12 December.