Liam Smith is confident that he would defeat Magomed Kurbanov 10 times out of 10 ahead of their showdown on Friday.

Former world champion Smith (29-2-1, 16 KOs) is in Russia to face Kurbanov (21-0, 13 KOs) this week, with the WBO International super welterweight title also on the line.

A victory for the Liverpool boxer would see him move a step closer to another crack at world honors, and he’s certain that he will get his hand raised.

Smith said: “If you throw a challenge at me I’ll take it with both hands. This fight was offered to me, so I watched a clip of Kurbanov and thought that if I turn up I’ll beat him 10 times out of 10.

“We’ve all been going through the pandemic and there haven’t been many offers coming in, so this was a fight I thought I’d take. Everything made sense to me and it’s a good fight that people are talking about.

“Kurbanov can punch a bit, and it’s a fight that has made me sit up, take notice and get my teeth into. I’m in very good shape and I can’t wait to be back.

“I’m in the last part of my career now, but I haven’t been in many wars and I live a good, clean lift at home. I’m ticking all the boxes and performing well in the gym, so I can’t wait to be back under those lights.

“I’m happy with what I’ve been doing in the build up, and I’m confident of beating Kurbanov. I’m not looking past him, but if I beat him then the doors are wide open for some big fights.”