Wednesday 30 March 2016 12:30, UK
After almost 10 months out, Paul Smith is back in the ring on Saturday evening, but wants his fight finished long before the Sky Sports cameras are on...
The first thing I am going to say is I am looking forward to getting back in the ring, but it is nothing special or dramatic, just a simple six-rounder.
Call it a comeback or a warm-up fight, but all it is for me is to get my eye in because I haven't fought for almost 10 months.
It's been a long time out, with the injuries and the rest. I didn't have to take this one because I am looking at the Ant Crolla fight in Manchester on May 7 as well.
But it will just be nice to be fighting again, in Liverpool, never mind the Echo Arena because it's nearly six years since I last boxed there. This time though, I will not be on the main card, never mind topping the bill. I want to be in at about 5.00-5.30pm long before the cameras are on.
This is just to get back on track, try to get back into the mix. It certainly won't be championship weight, I am just looking at getting back in with those small gloves on and am more than happy going under the radar.
I can't stand fighters who, when they aren't boxing, shout their mouth off, trying to remain relevant. That is why have been quiet and on Saturday, Callum and the other lads on the card are in the big fights and they deserve all the praise and attention. The fans will be going to the Echo Arena to see them. And once I'm done, I will be one of them.
This is just to get back on track, try to get back into the mix.
There are still big fights out there for me and am 100 per cent certain I want to try and get up there. Opportunities are still there, big opportunities, and I know I am lucky I can still get some big fights. I am treating this first fight as very important and I am looking forward to it.
I've been training since the end of last year and it has been a long, hard road back, with the elbow and other injuries.
But the worse thing is, there is a nasty flu going round, which is the last thing I need in fight week. My wife and the kids have all got it and I am just trying to stay healthy - which means sleeping in the spare room, at the top of the house.
I've been getting plenty of good sparring with David Brophy, Nathan Wheatley, Callum Johnson and Hosea Burton early on in the camp. I did a couple of rounds with my brother Callum right at the start but he has had other sparring partners coming in and the best thing about it is he is paying them and I get a go for nothing!
And as the senior member of the gym, do you think I am getting more respect now I am fighting again? Do I heck! I'm probably getting more stick than usual at the moment, but the gym is a great place to be. However, even that is not as good as getting into that ring.
I have a laugh and work hard. It is my job but I am lucky to have one I love. I am looking forward to Saturday evening, I really am.
