Tony Bellew believes that major fights are just around the corner for Dalton Smith and that the Sheffield man will not fluff his lines this weekend, live on DAZN .
Smith will compete for European honours against Walid Ouizza and a win over the Frenchman could be the platform for a lucrative summer showdown with Adam Azim .
- Read next | DAZN boxing expert Christopher Walker on Tyson Fury's retirement - What if this really is the end?
The super-lightweight prospects, two of Britain's brightest young talents, have been on a collision course for a lengthy period now.
Neither man has put a foot wrong in their professional career up to now and a meeting between t6he pair will likely draw big numbers.
First up for Smith is the threat of Ouizza, and although the steel city fighter begins the contest a decent favourite, the pressure on him to deliver a grand showing cannot be a distraction.
140lbs, both domestically and on the world scene, is thriving, and the major bouts that Smith has long craved are closer to becoming a reality.
As well as Azim, Jack Catterall, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Teofimo Lopez are operating at super-lightweight, and these fights could become reality if Smith keeps impressing.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Bellew, a former world cruiserweight champion, knows what it feels like to remain patient for big fights, and he is urging Smith to focus on Saturday’s fight rather than the future.
“As easy as it is to look ahead, you can’t, and Smith will know that deep down,” said Bellew when speaking exclusively to DAZN.
“i had it in my career where I knew I had to win this fight to land the next one and it’s not a nice feeling to know you’re only loss away from missing out on a big title or massive payday.
“Dalton knows he’s got time on his side, and he can be a part of these big nights for as long as he wants as long as he stays focused.
“The remainder of this year could see Dalton on the big stage and I fully expect he knows that and that’s why we’ll see him do a proper job this weekend and become European champion.”
Watch The Last Crescendo card live on DAZN PPV
Watch the full Last Crescendo fight card, including Dubois vs Parker and Beterbiev vs Bivol, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
As a PPV event, no subscription is required and this is a one off cost with no future commitment.
Buying the Last Crescendo PPV also provides a free seven-day trial of the full DAZN platform, with access to all boxing content, plus live action across football, golf, tennis, motorsport and more*.
For PPV costs in your country and to buy, click here .
*Sports available in free trial dependent on country of residence