Dalton Smith is hoping Saturday night can be the start of what could be a huge 2025.
At Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena, Smith will be facing Walid Ouizza for the vacant European super lightweight title live on DAZN, where a win could put "Thunder" in a prime position to challenge for a world title.
For the past year, British fight fans have been eager to see Smith challenge for a world title, but the Sheffield fighter has opted to go the traditional route with the European being the last major belt to win before stepping onto the world stage.
When it comes to facing an unfamiliar name in Ouizza, it can be quick to assume that Smith is already preparing for what the future holds following the final bell on Saturday night.
However, when asked at Thursday's press conference about overlooking his French rival, Smith stated that he is treating this upcoming contest like a world title fight.
"Any fight you go into, whether it be your first fight or the fight I’m in now, it’s a dangerous sport," Smith said.
"You have got to prepare like every fight is a world title, you’re in there with someone who is trying to take your head off.
"I’ve not overlooked Walid, for me this is a world title fight for me, because I know what can come after so I’m going to go in there and put on a performance that sets me up for some big things."
Smith vs. Ouizza will kick off 12 hours of live boxing coverage on DAZN with Diego Pacheco fighting in Las Vegas soon after against Steve Nelson in a super middleweight contest.
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