Frank Smith:
“That’s the plan and that’s the focus. Dalton Smith is Mandatory Challenger for the WBC Super-Lightweight World Title and that is the fight we’ll see next. Dalton can’t overlook Saturday night. He’s got a test in Mathieu Germain.
“The key always for us with Dalton was to keep up the activity. He had a period where he was out for a bit with injuries in 2024. So for 2025 it was about keeping his activity up. He boxed in January and won that European Title – something that he’d always wanted to do.
“Now it’s about stepping up and picking the right opponent that’s going to give him those rounds as he goes into the higher levels and challenges for the World Title.There’s no point him having a walkover fight because it does nothing for him when he goes into these big fights. We truly believe that pound-for-pound, Dalton Smith is one of the greatest fighters in Britain today and he’s going to go all the way.”
Dalton Smith:
“I’m focused. I’m hungry. Mathieu Germain said it right there. I think he sees with my energy and the way I’ve prepared for this fight – I’m not looking at this fight as if the job is already done because it’s not. I’ve had some great sparring over and I’ve probably had one of my best camps.
“2025 is going to be a big year for me. That’s why I’ve approached this fight like it is my World Title fight. I just know when the fight night comes, there is no stress because I worked so hard for it. I feel no pressure. What is the pressure? I’m doing it for myself and I’m doing it for the team around me. It’s nobody else.
“Of course he’s going to be confident. I want him to be confident. I don’t want fighters coming over who are just making up the numbers. It’s a big opportunity for him. I’ve seen some of the footage of him. He’s been in with some good kids. He’s a solid operator and that’s why I’m not overlooking him.”
Mathieu Germain:
“Everything is on the line for me. I’ve been waiting all of my life for this type of opportunity. I live boxing. I’m always in the gym. When I got the call for this fight I was already training and I was already in shape. I think Dalton is a brilliant professional fighter but it’s going to get in his head. Everyone in this room speaks about the next fight. I’m here. I’m here to fight. I’m here for the W. I think Dalton is a true professional and he’s going to remain focused on me, but it’ll be in his head.
“Dalton is a good fighter and he does everything well. I think I have something to beat him because I’m a smart fighter. He is a true champion and very professional. That’s why I’m in boxing – to fight against good fighters. I truly think we have something and that we are going to do it. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could win.”
Josh Warrington:
“Back in September it was a frustrating performance against Anto Cacace. I don’t think I disgraced myself but I certainly didn’t think I got firing on all cylinders. That’s what led to me laying the gloves down. It might have been a bit of a spur of the moment decision. I felt really frustrated. Even before the decision had been announced, I said to my old man, something was missing tonight. 10% or so was off. He agreed. I did think that was it. I was kind of mourning myself for two or three weeks.
“I went back in the gym to let a bit of steam off. Then I actually watched the fight back and it wasn’t as bad as I made out in my own head. I’ve had a long career but I want to do it on my terms. When you look back at my last three fights on paper yeah I’ve lost. But I haven’t been disgraced. I thought I’d done enough to claw back the win against Lopez a few years ago. I wasn’t putting a foot wrong against Leigh Wood. I was boxing his head off until he caught me. A fighter that absolutely spangled Joe Cordina couldn’t do anything like that against me. I had my moments of success but I just didn’t pull up on it at times.
“I feel like there’s more in the tank and I want to do it on my terms. I want to leave the sport on my terms. Would I sit up here if I didn’t believe I could still win a World Title? No. I think there’s still a few more big nights to come. This one is for myself. It has to be for myself. I have to be selfish. I have to show up and get the win for myself to see what is left in there under the lights.”
Asad Asif Khan:
“I am ready for Saturday night because I have been training hard. I like him and obviously I rate him – he is a two-time World Champion. I believe in myself. I can win on Saturday night. Let’s see.”
Ryan Kelly:
“They’re both good fighters (Davis and Agyarko). Credit to both. Obviously when we got the call last week regarding Ishmael being off the card, it was a bit of a lead balloon. I thought I was off the show. Then we found out that Agyarko was going to step in. I think it makes for a great fight regardless.
“We prepared for Ishmael Davis and he’s a different fighter. Nevertheless, we’re prepared – we’ve had great sparring, southpaw and orthodox. We’re fully prepared, we’re prepared for anyone. I’ve been in the ring now thousands of times and fought all different shapes and sizes. You have to adapt and that’s what I’ll do – I’m a fighter.
“I think you’re definitely going to see the best Ryan Kelly at 154. I’ve been holding my own at 160 but they’re big guys, they’re massive. It’s time for me to be more dominant and be the bigger man.”
Caoimhin Agyarko:
“I think Ryan is a good fighter and he’s been in with top lads. He’s been in with top lads but he’s come up short. He’s campaigned at Middleweight and it probably wasn’t the right weight for him. I’ve campaigned at Middleweight and moved down. I think you’ll get a good fight on Saturday night.
“You know me, always classy never trashy. I’ll come up here and I’ll always respect my opponents but when you get in there with me on Saturday night it’s strictly business. I respect every opponent that I face. He would have been preparing for a great fight with Ishmael Davis so I know he’s had a good camp.
“I’ve just got to go in there on Saturday night and show everyone what they’ve been missing, and show Matchroom what they’re been missing. I’m ranked at number five in the world and I’m ranked that for a reason.”
Josh Padley:
“I can’t say I’m missing the work. That would be a lie if I said I was missing that. I’m living my dream. I’ve been in boxing six years now and I worked all the way through it as well. This is the stage that I wanted to be at – being a full-time professional athlete. Now I’m at that stage. Thank you to Matchroom for the opportunity. We’re here now and I’m excited to get that next stage of my career underway.
“He’s 13-0. He’s beaten 13 people to get to where he is. All fights in Serbia. I’ve been in his position where I wanted that big TV opportunity, and I wanted to face the guys who were signed. For him, this is his chance to change everything. I need to be on my A game.
“I went from Leeds Banquet Suite to Wembley Stadium and then to Saudi Arabia. It was quite a turn of events. Nobody expected me to win the last two fights. I was the massive underdog on both occasions. This time I am expected to win. There’s that added pressure to perform but that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Marko Cvetanovic:
“I am excited to be here, and I am really impressed with Josh Padley’s past two performances. I am very prepared and I had tremendous sparring with boxers back in my camp. This is a big opportunity for me to shine.
“It’s a big honour for me to be on such a great event against a guy like Josh here in Sheffield. It’s my first time fighting outside of Serbia but I am feeling calm and ready. A ring is a ring, wherever it is.”
Giorgio Visioli:
“I’ve left every spar, even in America, feeling very confident. I know my ability. I know my class. It’s been a great experience in Vegas. All of the Cubans I’ve sparred out there as well. I’m holding my own, in a respectful way. I don’t want to say too much.
“For sure Kane is a step up for me. Look at the guys he’s been in with compared to the guys I’ve fought before. I know he’s going to come and have a go, sit on my chest, which is fine – I don’t mind that. It’s a good test for me and I’m looking forward to showing the levels on Saturday night. I can’t wait to go.
“I just believe I show my class, box his head off. If he wants to sit toe-to-toe with me no problem. People think I can just box and move, but nobody has seen my inside game yet. I’m looking forward to showing that as well.”
Kane Baker:
“It’s been a long time. You’re only as good as your last fight. I’ll probably find out on Saturday how it’s going. They’re touting Giorgio to be a future World Champion. I’ve seen him, he looks good, he looks great. We’ll find out on Saturday.
“It’s a step up for Giorgio if he stands and has a fight with me. If he decides to box, then he could probably box rings around me. If he stands and has a fight with me then it’ll be a step up for him. I just like to be in their face until they’re pissed off.”
Leli Buttigieg:
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve done the hard work. Grant Dennis has been in with some good fighters. He’s very experienced but he hasn’t been in with me yet. I’ve worked hard and I’m ready to go in and do the business. I’ll do whatever it takes to win this fight.
“I won’t to keep stepping up with opponents, keep working and keep getting the experience. I’d like to push on towards some titles soon. In my last fight I showed that I’ve got that dog in me. Whatever comes my way I’ll be ready for it.”
Joe Howarth:
“I’d just like to thank Eddie and Matchroom for this opportunity. It’s an opportunity that I’m going to take with both hands on Saturday night. Having Dave Allen is my corner is great. He’s always advising me and helping me out.”
