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Stephen Smith looking for February return

Stephen with the title, brothers Liam, Callum, Paul Jr and father Paul Sr

Swifty recovering well from hand injury

Newly crowned Commonwealth Featherweight Champion Stephen “Swifty” Smith has been speaking to WBN this weekend about the hand injury he incurred when claiming the title from Scotland’s John Simpson.

After his stunning split decision victory in September, the unbeaten Liverpudlian was immediately ruled out for six months with a broken hand he suffered during the bout and spoke to WBN editor Phil D. Jay this morning to update his situation.

“I still cant make a fist yet, so not there yet but it is coming on. I cant wait to be able to punch again,” explained Smith.

“I’m getting a lot more movement back in the hand and I am hoping to be back in the ring by february. Hoping to be challenging the winner of Lindsay v Simpson for the British Title or at least defending my Commonwealth Title,” he added.

Stephen will no doubt be at ringside next month when older brother Paul defends his British Super-Middleweight Title in a long anticipated match-up with the undefeated James DeGale on December 11th at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

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