Of the main event Warren admits he is firmly in the corner of his fighter, Paul Smith, but believes that the only guarantee is that fireworks will fly. Local pride, even he had to admit, means more than any title belt here. He smiled: “This is going to be an excellent fight, it’s a tremendous main event. I know both lads have been on their best behaviours so far in the run up to this one but believe me, the fireworks will be coming early to Liverpool this year. “This is without doubt a cracking contest. The pride of Liverpool and a case of who is the best. Two great boxing families steeped in boxing tradition so I am sure that to these two lads that probably means more to them then the British title. “I lot of people are saying that this fight means more than the Lonsdale Belt and I have to agree. This is about local pride, which counts for a whole lot more.” After 28 pro fights Smith has had to put up with some criticism for not making the jump into genuine title class much sooner. But Warren insists that he’s been unhappy with Smith’s weight classification for some time and believes now he’s settled at super-middleweight he’ll finally live up to all expectations. “Somebody once told me that Paul is something of a slow-burner and that may well be right,” Warren admits. “But I also have to say that I’ve been unhappy with his weight for some time too. “I never thought he looked comfortable at middleweight and I believe fight fans will see the very best of him at 12 stone. He was struggling at middleweight and we really weren’t getting the best out of him but since he’s moved up he’s been a different fighter. “He’s showing much more of himself, more of what he’s about, and this really could be his time. This is obviously a big, big fight and if he can come through this it will bring him on leaps and bounds. “I admit he’s had a lot of grounding. He’s had like 27/28 fights now, usually guys come through a little bit quicker, but it’s been good for him. “He’s only 26 and he’s a strong, fresh fighter and I believe that this fight is right for him.” However, home promoter or not, he accepts the champion will take some beating. “Quigley did so well against (Tony) Dodson,” Warren admits. “He came on so strong but you can see he’s got that about him. He’s a good strong fighter. “He was with me in the early days but things didn’t quite work out but what he’s done is turn his career around.” | 
Article
