Callum Smith will defend his WBO 'interim' light-heavyweight championship against David Morrell at the M&S Bank Arena in April

Callum Smith has set his sights on moving one step closer to becoming a two-weight world champion after his showdown with David Morrell was confirmed. Matchroom announced on Tuesday night that Smith and Morrell will battle it out for the WBO 'interim' light heavyweight title on Saturday, April 18.

It was confirmed back in August that the former Archbishop Beck pupil had been ordered to defend his 'interim' title against Morrell. Smith is in possession of the 'interim' crown after producing a sensational performance to overcome domestic rival Joshua Buatsi last time out.

The M&S Bank Arena will play host to the event, and Smith admitted: “Fighting back in Liverpool is special for me.

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“This is home – there's nothing like walking out in front of a home crowd that’s supported you from the very start. It gives me a real lift and I plan to give them a big performance.

“Morrell is a top fighter, but I’m coming into this fight with a clear goal – to win and take another big step towards becoming a two-weight world champion.”

Smith’s homecoming has been long overdue, as he last headlined in Liverpool back in November 2019 when he defeated John Ryder for the WBC Diamond super-middleweight title.

And Morrell, who beat Imam Khataev last time out, admits he is preparing for war against the former WBA, Ring Magazine and World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight champion.

“First, I want to thank God for this opportunity in my career,” he said. “I’m excited to showcase my talent in front of the great boxing fans in the UK. I’m preparing for an all-out war with Callum Smith on April 18. I’m coming for that belt.”

While promoter Eddie Hearn believes: “Smith vs Morrell is a tremendous fight and one of the biggest Liverpool has seen for a long time. We’ve been working hard to get this over the line for some time now.

"I’m delighted that we have finally got it done and that we are bringing it to the M&S Bank Arena on April 18.

"Callum has been on the road for the most part in his recent career, famously beating the likes of George Groves and facing greats such as Canelo and Beterbiev.

“Now he gets his much-deserved mega fight in his home city. Callum is an outstanding fighter and showed last year against Joshua Buatsi the incredible levels he is at. Make no mistake, this will be another barnstormer against an elite operator in Morrell.”