High Wycombe boxer Ben Smith is back in action next month when he is due to fight at the Copper Box Arena on the undercard to the James DeGale v Lee Selby fight on December 9.

Smith, 21, will be fighting Lee Connolly before the main event, his first fight since May when he thrashed opponent Youssef Al-Hamidi at the same venue.

He has won all five of his bouts so far with ease but this represents a step up in class for Smith, who is oozing confidence ahead of his sixth professional fight.

He said: “Lee Connolly is a good journeyman boxer who has had a lot of good fights in his career, taking the likes of Luke Campbell to five rounds.

“However, losing is not an option and I am hoping to showcase my skills and put on a good show, which I am confident of doing.”

In the build-up to the fight, Smith he explained that things have gone smoothly and the move up to London as really help him properly prepare for December 9.

He added: “I am hoping it will be a six round fight instead of four. I am waiting for that to be confirmed.

“I feel in great shape and have had a brilliant training camp in Canning Town. I have now moved up to London instead of having to commute which has helped.

“As I am getting older, I am getting better and the build-up to this fight has been a lot more structured than previously.

“My camp-mate is also fighting on the undercard and we have been preparing together, dieting well and eating clean to make sure we are in the best shape possible.

“I am hoping the fight will show everyone what I have got in the locker and what I have been improving on. The team here have been first class with me.

“The knockouts for me will come and I hope to put on a great performance and show what I can do.”

Although he doesn’t want to look too far ahead, Smith commented: “After this fight, I am hoping for a brilliant 2018 where we can set up some title fights and look to keep going bigger and bigger.

“December 9 is the focus.”