Callum Smith willl face Erik Skoglund in Liverpool this September in tournament opener

By Matt Horan

Callum Smith picked unbeaten Swede Erik Skoglund for his first World Boxing Super Series fight

Callum Smith's World Boxing Super Series quarter-final with Erik Skoglund has been confirmed for September 16 at Liverpool's Echo Arena.

Smith against Sweden's Skoglund will kick off an eight-man battle
for the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy in the super-middleweight division.

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Smith selected the fellow undefeated fighter at the tournament draft in Monte Carlo on July 8 and was delighted to be given a hometown advantage, having been seeded in the draw.

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The 27-year-old said: "A ring is a ring no matter where it is but, of course, I'm happy to be fighting in Liverpool.

"This is my home, and this is where all my best performances as a professional have been. I like fighting in Liverpool, and with the crowd behind me, I will have an added advantage on September 16.

Callum Smith is unbeaten in 22 fights

"There are no easy fights in this tournament. It's the best fighting the best, but I believe I made the right decision in Monte Carlo.

"That's not to say Skoglund is not a good fighter. I think he is a very good fighter. His record speaks for itself, but I think stylistically, he was the right choice for me. It will be a tough test.

"On paper, Skoglund is probably the best fighter I've ever faced, and I will need to be at my best to beat him. But every time I've been up against it in my career and every time there's been that fear factor, it's brought out the best in me and I'm hoping for the same on Sept. 16."