Smith is closing in on title shot

Smith has knocked out 15 of his 28 opponents

Paul Smith Jr says he is completely focused on his upcoming British super-middleweight title challenge.

The 26-year-old Liverpudlian is due to face reigning champion and fellow Merseyside fighter Tony Quigley, 24, in the autumn.

"My energies are focused on fighting for the British title," the mandatory contender told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He (Quigley) is the champion and he's got to defend the title, If he doesn't defend then the title won't be his."

Quigley is currently suffering from shoulder-to-bicep tendinitis down his left side. The condition, which is being treated by a specialist, led to his proposed first title defence against Brian Magee in July being called off.

Smith says he would like to face Quigley for the Lonsdale belt but is happy to face any of the other challengers.

I think it's fair to say he doesn't need to worry, I'll be fit to fight him and I'm more than looking forward to it

Tony Quigley on Paul Smith Jr

"My intentions are just focused on getting fit, waiting for the purse bids to come in and once the date is given I'll be ready to fight," he said.

"If it is Tony Quigley, I'll be ready to fight and beat Tony Quigley and if it's not it'll be whoever's next in line, be it Brian Magee, Paul David or Steven Maguire."

Quigley has moved to reassure his city rival that he will be fit to defend his title against him.

"I think it's fair to say he doesn't need to worry, I'll be fit to fight him and I'm more than looking forward to it," said Quigley.

Smith came through an eight-round warm up fight against Michael Bilak unscathed and with victory in Manchester on Saturday.

He says he was pleased to get some rounds under his belt ahead of a potential meeting with Quigley.

"The victory was always expected but I thought I boxed well," said Smith. "I got the work-out in and that's basically just what it was, a work-out fight."