Callum Smith backs Jazza Dickens to spring major world title surprise against Albert Batyrgaziev

Former super-middleweight king Callum Smith believes Jazza Dickens possesses the mindset and skillset to overcome the supremely-talented Albert Batyrgaziev on Wednesday night.

The 34-year-old has earned himself the opportunity of a lifetime against the unbeaten Russian star, who heads into the blockbuster showdown looking to extend his unbeaten professional record to 13-0.

Dickens, who has been beaten five times as a pro, reignited his career with a sensational performance to outclass Zelfa Barrett in Manchester earlier this year.

That victory propelled him towards a potential clash with American Raymond Ford, but it's Batyrgaziev that he will first get the chance to showcase his credentials against as he seeks to spring what would be one of the upsets of the year.

Batyrgaziev, who has been installed a huge 1/10 favourite to reign supreme in Turkey, enjoyed a stellar amateur career and is already well on the road to establishing himself as a legitimate force within the professional ranks.

He can take a huge step towards fulfilling his world title dream against Dickens, although current 'Interim' WBO light-heavyweight title-holder Smith is adamant that his compatriot is more than capable of defying his underdog tagging.

"Fingers crossed, yeah!," he told Boxing News when asked as to whether Dickens could win the fight.

"I believe he's in a tough fight - I've only seen the kid he is facing once last time out, but he is very highly-regarded and has exceptional credentials, especially as an amateur.

"He's definitely up against it, but Jazza is a very, very good fighter and I think we saw last time out that there is still a lot left in the tank.

He's coming into the fight on the back of a very good win over Zelfa Barrett and his confidence is sky high - as a friend and somebody who knows him well, I am confident he can go over there and get the win.

- Callum Smith (Boxing News)

Dickens will have the backing of many fellow Merseysiders in Istanbul on Wednesday, whilst a star-studded guest list - including Anthony Joshua, Terence Crawford and Naomi Campbell - are also expected at the IBA Golden Era event.

Smith has always been one to get behind his fellow Liverpudlians, but says he has an even more emotional tie to this specific fight given his personal friendship with the British hope.

"It's quite a close knit community and we always will each other on to do well, but I also came through the ranks with Jazza," he added.

"I've known him a long time and I know that every fighter says they put the hard yards and the graft in, but believe me, Jazza is remarkably dedicated.

"He deserves everything he gets out of the sport because he has chipped away at it over the years, he's had setbacks, but he has always bounced back.

"Last time out, he was stuck in there as the opponent - he wasn't supposed to win - but he didn't care, he got down to business and got the job done and he has earned this shot now.

"He hasn't just been plucked out of thin air to take on Albert Batyrgaziev - he's here to win and I am backing him to get the job done."

Batyrgaziev vs Dickens is scheduled to get underway at around 19:00 (BST) on Wednesday 2nd July, with the action being live-streamed on DAZN.

Mark Mothershaw

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