ALTARNUN’S Wes Smith will look to extend his unbeaten start in the professional ranks when he takes on Damian Kiwior in a six-round welterweight contest at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday night.

They will top the bill at BCB Promotions’ ‘No Love Lost’ show, which is their first West Midlands event of the year.

Smith, 26, won his first three bouts before being held to a draw by Ireland’s Rohan Date in his last outing in July in Bracknell, Berkshire, although he is likely to have his work cut out against his Polish opponent, who enjoyed a stellar amateur career before moving over to the UK last February.

Kiwior was victorious in his first four fights, but was surprisingly defeated on points by journeyman Chris Jenkinson in December, meaning both men are looking to get back on the winning trail.

Smith said: “Training’s been going really well, I’ve been doing a lot of sparring and I’ve been training hard.

“I’ve been up to Wales and Birmingham and done some local sparring, so I’m ready.”

The Launceston Amateur Boxing Club star beat Jan Korec, Andrej Cepur and Kevin McCauley in his opening three fights at Plymouth Guildhall, and admits he’ll be better for the experience against Date.

He said: “I know what it’s like going away from home as I did it in the amateurs, but it all helps. The last fight I had I took at late notice but I don’t want to make any excuses. I learnt a lot from that fight and it’s made me me comfortable and it helped me gage where I’m at as he was a good fighter.”

Kiwior, 25, will also represent a significant test. He won a host of honours in his homeland and competed in the World Series of Boxing as well as representing his country in European and World Championships in an amateur career which spanned over 250 fights.

But despite his pedigree, Smith is confident of his chances.

He said: “I’ll just keep working and do what I have to do as that’s all you can do and it all comes down to getting it right on fight night.

“He’s had a lot of amateur experience all over. He’s been in the World Series of Boxing, but the pro game is different and he lost last time, so he’s going to have to bring it.

“He’s a strong lad and he comes forward so I know I’m going to be in for a hard night, but I’ve seen a few things which I’ll look to exploit!”

All of Smith’s bouts have been scheduled for four rounds, so this will be the first time he’s boxed over the longer distance.

He said: “It’ll allow people to see the best of me, the longer the rounds the stronger I’ll be, I’m always fit and ready to go.”

Kiwior has stated his ambition to win the Commonwealth and European titles, and Smith also has grand plans.

Smith added: “A win will hopefully allow me to push on for a title shot such as the English title.

“The last fight could have been an eliminator, but because I hadn’t done a six-rounder, we couldn’t do it. Hopefully I’ll be out again in March, I want to box as much as possible!”

Smith will be backed by a decent following, who’ll make the three-hour trip up the M5.

He said: “There’s a minibus going and a few are driving, but it’s great to have that support. I’d also like to thank my sponsor Connor Phillips at Sport Support who keeps me in top shape and also my trainer Des Charnock!”

Charnock is delighted with how his man is shaping up.

He said: "“Preparations have gone extremely well as we know we are about to face Wes’ toughest test to date. This fight has all the hallmarks of real hum-dinger and come fight night, we will see Wes do, what he does best and bring a proper Cornish storm to Birmingham.

“Wes is topping the bill on Saturday night and it is massively refreshing to see two prospects putting each other to the test so early on in their careers!”

See next week’s Post to find out how he gets on.