Maxi Hughes backs Sheffield 'Belt Collector' Dalton Smith to shine
Dalton Smith defends his WBC super lightweight title on Saturday
A big electronic advertising hoarding beams down on motorists on Sheffield's Parkway.
"The Belt Collector fights this Saturday" it says alongside a huge glowing image of Dalton Smith.
The advert gives details of how Handsworth's finest will defend his WBC super lightweight title this weekend at Sheffield Arena.
And Doncaster’s Maxi Hughes, who is also on the bill, believes the hype will be worth it, with Smith’s home advantage providing a huge benefit.
"Home advantage and home comforts will be an advantage for Dalton" said Hughes, whose 29-9-2 professional record has never included a fight at the Arena.
"(Alberto) Puello is awkward, but with Dalton having that home advantage, and with it his confidence and form, he should get the job done.
"You look at his run of form, how good he is, how strong he is at that weight, I think he will come through the test."
Hughes says he is an admirer of the family that has helped guide Smith through the ranks to the sport’s elite.
"He is not full of himself, he is down to earth, his family are good people" Maxi, 36, told The Star.
"I have sparred him a few times and he is a strong guy and good all round; I got a lot out of it."
Hughes, from Haxey, Doncaster, is fighting Guildford's unbeaten Giorgio Visioli on the Matchroom show.
And if the South Yorkshireman’s form at the microphone is as good as it was at Thursday’s press conference, he’ll be in for a winning night.
In a barbed message to Visioli, 23, he said: "There is still plenty of life in me for an old dog and I have to ask the question that if you’re a Matchroom fighter and you’re up here, sat opposite me, then what have you done to upset Matchroom and yourself [Eddie Hearn]?
"You might as well call me the Matchroom exterminator!
"You did it with Kid Galahad – you wanted rid of him, so you fed him to Maxi.
"You did it with Gary Cully, so you fed him to Maxi. I’m not sure what Giorgio has done to upset you but maybe you’ve brought me here to get rid of him.
"I’m feeling good and I have had a lot more than 10 days notice to prepare. Things have gone well and I’m at home here in South Yorkshire, so it’s brilliant" he declared.
"Being on Dalton’s card, it’s massive for Dalton, and I am proud to be a part of this massive night and big show.
"You’ve promoted him well and you’ve done your job. It’s his turn now."