Smith has no concerns over Ryder

WBA ‘super’ super-middleweight champion Callum Smith insists he has no concerns ahead of his bout with John Ryder. The Liverpudlian is regarded as the top fighter in the division and has even suggested he would be open to facing Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in a ‘super-fight’ if he decides to drop down in weight. For now, Smith’s focus is entirely on countryman Ryder ahead of their meeting at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on November 23. Smith’s unbeaten record is on the line, along with his WBA ‘super’ super-middleweight title, but he is not considering losing either of them. “He’s coming off a few good wins in fights where he’s probably the underdog, and he’s managed to pull it off, so his tail is up so to speak, but I’m in very good form myself,” Smith said. “I feel I’m in the form of my career. Now I’m ranked number one in the world for a reason and I just feel the best version of me beats any version of John Ryder, even if he’s at 100 per cent. “It’s more just focusing on myself and I believe the best version of me beats any super-middleweight in the world. As long as I turn up, then I should be a little bit too good for John.”