Promoter Eddie Hearn has questioned whether WBO champion Arthur Abraham will be able to handle the desire of British super-middleweight Paul Smith in their world-title showdown next month.
Smith has put together four successive wins to earn his first shot at global honours, and Hearn believes that the Liverpudlian is facing the 44-fight veteran at the right time in his career.
Hearn told Sky Sports News: "I just feel like this is the perfect time for Paul Smith against Arthur Abraham.
"Abraham is coming to the back-end of his career – is there still the desire against an opponent like Paul Smith? Can he get himself up for it again, those hard morning runs and long spars?
"Paul Smith can, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. He will put everything in to the camp and everything in on the night. Arthur has got to live with that desire."
The bout will take place in Kiel on September 27.
