British super-middleweight Paul Smith has claimed that he can capitalise on Andre Ward's extended absence from the ring when they meet in California on Saturday night.
Ward, the WBA champion, is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, but Smith, who has challenged for the world title in his last two bouts, has insisted that he can take advantage of the American not competing since November 2013.
The 32-year-old told reporters: "I've got all the respect in the world for Andre Ward and I thank him for giving me this shot, but I'm here to win.
"Inactivity isn't good for any fighter. Any fighter will tell you that. You have to stay active, you have to stay busy. All the training in the world in the gym is totally different. Andre Ward's inactivity is what I can capitalize on Saturday night."
Smith has won 35 of his 40 professional contests, while Ward is unbeaten in 27 outings.
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