Comeback man Georgie Smith launches his two-fight bid for the top tonight with this message for his fans: The best is yet to come.

The welterweight boxer, 28, from Basildon, knows victory in this evening's six-rounder at York Hall, Bethnall Green, against experienced light-middleweight Shaun O'Neill will earn him a high-profile bid for the UK title.

Smith said: "I want my supporters to know I'm really up for it and they'll see a good Georgie Smith tonight.

"This can change my whole career. If I win, I fight Derek Roche for his British crown on July 31.

"Then I'd like to have a go at a European title before the end of the year and maybe have a World title shot after that."

Smith's second defeat in 14 fights came in his last bout eight months ago, when he lost his Inter-Continental crown on points to Charlie Kane at Southend.

Kane has since been knocked out by Smith's next target, the unbeaten Roche.

Smith said: "I've seen videos of O'Neill. He's strong and durable, has had about 40 fights and tries to go the distance.

"But I feel very confident that I can beat him and then take Roche's national title.

"Roche is orthodox and comes forward, whereas Kane was a tall, defensive southpaw - the type I can have problems against.

"The Roche fight would put me back on the map. It's in Carlisle, live on Sky TV and on the same bill as World and European title fights."

Smith - whose second son, Tommy, was born last month - has seen his promising career tempered by illness and injuries in the past couple of years.

He even admits to "taking a break and putting on a bit of weight over Christmas" after his below-par showing against Scotsman Kane.

However, Smith said: "I've been training hard and I know how big a chance these two fights are."

His Barry Hearn stablemate, Darren Bruce, who is seeking his 13th win in 13 bouts, has an equally-vital fight on tonight's bill.

The Grays welterweight takes on Frenchman Frederick Notto, saying: "Beating him could put me two fights away from a major title challenge."

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