1. Callum Smith

Age: 27

Fighting out of: Liverpool, UK

Record: 22–0 (17 KOs)

Faces Erik Skoglund (16/9 — Liverpool)

Achievements: Former British, European, WBC Silver and WBC International Super Middleweight Champion

Going into 2017, Callum Smith was assured in the reality that his next fight would be for a world title. 9 months and several failed negotiations later, he finds himself having to win the World Boxing Super Series tournament just in order to have a belt around his waist for the first time. The frustration of the past year is coupled with a prolonged path of inconsistency for this once highly rated prospect. Smith either demonstrated the power to end fights in a matter of seconds or was forced to grind out unconvincing wins over lesser opposition. That spectacular spark which propels a promising contender to a legit champion appears to be often missing from Smith’s game, and we are yet to see him deal with any extensive periods of adversity.

With all that being said, Smith cannot be overlooked in this field. At 6ft 3, he represents a very physically imposing frame which is unmatched by his competitors — even the ones stepping down in weight for the tournament. He possesses power, coupled with sharp counter punching ability as well as a solid left hook to the liver. If his opponents allow him to form a rhythm in fights, then Smith can take some stopping, but with the expectation and pressure of having to win the tournament to make up for lost time, this young hopeful is in an almost can’t win scenario as he prepares to open up the competition in his hometown.