High Wycombe boxer Ben Smith is back in action at the end of the month in what he describes as the “biggest fight of his career”.

Smith, 21, is due to fight Lee Connolly at the Brentwood Centre in Essex on April 28 in the super lightweight division.

The young star has had a very promising start to his career but it has been a frustrating 10 months for Smith since his last fight.

However, he told the Bucks Free Press he feels in great shape heading into it.

He said: “Training has been going well. I have been doing a lot of sparring with Ohara Davies and I am feeling really good and in the best shape I have done.

“It has been frustrating to have been out for so long as all boxers live for the gun night of the fight so I can’t wait to get back out there.”

Although Smith is confident of victory against Connolly, he is wary of the threat he poses.

He added: “He is a journeyman boxer and the two people who have stopped him are Olympians.

“However, he certainly throws more punches than most journeyman boxers do but that will leave me with more gaps in his defence to exploit and I am confident I can get the job done and put on a good show.

“It is my first six round fight but am feeling really good and it is all systems go.”

Without wanting to get too ahead of himself, Smith is looking into what could be a very bright 2018 for him and his team.

He said: “The Connolly fight is a warm-up to what will be a tougher fight in June. I am completely focused on the Connolly fight but I have to beat him if I want a shot at a tougher bout in June.

“That will be a Frank Warren card which will be fantastic. I asked Frank to get me a fight and I am with a different promoter for the Connolly bout.

“Fighting at the Brentwood Centre is something I am really looking forward to.

“It is a great little place to fight. People think of it as just a leisure centre but it is a fantastic venue with a great atmosphere and it should be buzzing on the 28th.”

After that June fight, Smith is trying to keep grounded but added: “If June goes well, Frank has promised me a title shot and everything is leading to that.

“I am hoping that will be September or October this year, or failing that, early next year but I have to take care of business first and the Connolly fight is the main focus.”