SAM ‘Sniper’ Smith is ready to make the most of his opportunity as begins training for the Ultimate Boxxer competition in six weeks' time.

The Swindon-based light-heavyweight was named as one of eight fighters who will battle it out in a tournament style competition at London’s O2 Arena on Friday, November 2.

Smith has a record of 5-1, his only defeat coming to Kirk Garvey earlier this year, and the 28-year-old insists he is ready for the test.

Trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick has masterminded the meteoric rise of cruiserweight Luke Watkins over recent years and as his stablemate, Smith believes this event can set him on a similar track.

Smith said: “I didn’t get a chance to watch the first series because I was boxing the next day, but I heard great things about it.

“It’s got everyone’s attention, that’s for sure. It has a lot of big names like Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malingaggi backing it

“The fact it is in London helps, so everyone is excited by it and it is a big opportunity for all of us.

“I get the chance to put my name out there, get on the ladder and get in the title mix. It’s going to be great and I am in it to win it.

“If you put in three good performances, that’s all you need. You can see how TV has increased Luke’s profile.”

Initially, Smith was named as a standby option for the tournament, but after a series of interviews, he made the cut into the top eight.

The Swindon fighter attributes that to his ring style and claims he is always involved in exciting bouts.

“I got a phone call a few weeks ago saying I was in the top 10, and that I had a chance of making the top eight,” he added.

“We went up for interviews and photos. I think the fact I’ve boxed in final eliminator fights and I am always in good fights helped.

“I had a great amateur career which will help with the three, three-minute rounds, and I think I came across well in the interviews to make the top eight.

“A lot of fighters run their mouths but that isn’t really me.”