A significant underdog against his city rival, victory for Fowler will propel him onto the world stage due to Smith’s superb achievements. A former world champion, Smith has made light work of all his domestic opponents, with his only setbacks occurring at the highest level coming against elite operators such as Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia. A win over Smith would be the high point for some fighters, but Fowler says he wants to accomplish more. 

“This is just one stop on my journey,” revealed a chirpy Fowler when speaking exclusively to DAZN in the aftermath of his face to face with Saturday’s opponent. “I’ve had an amazing journey in life. I think to myself where I started and where I am now it’s like a dream come true. I’m enjoying the journey, I’m grateful for the journey but I’m a winner and I want more.” 

A consistent theme in the fight’s build-up has been the suggestion that Fowler has nothing to lose from taking on Smith. Conceding a wealth of attributes and experience, it has been noted that defeat for Fowler is not the end of the world as he can rebound from any loss with an outing against a number of domestic operators including James Metcalf, Ted Cheeseman, and Troy Williamson. Fowler is eager to dismiss such thoughts. 

“I’ve sacrificed so much for this fight. I’ve hardly seen my son. I’ve given absolutely everything to this sport since I was a kid. I’m here to win and only win. Trust me, I’ve been away from my family preparing for nothing less than a win. Trust me, all I want from this fight is a win.”  

Locked away at Shane McGuigan’s Kent gym, Fowler’s preparations have been set on causing a seismic shock that will send his career towards a likely world title fight in the talent laden 154lbs division. With so much on the line in a fight that can signal new beginnings or harsh endings for both fighters, Fowler is adamant that no more could've been done in preparing to topple his local enemy. 

“No one sees what goes on behind closed doors. I’ve been doing solid 12- and 15-round spars. Brutal, horrible rounds with people much bigger than me. I’ve sparred Liam Smith before today and I know what to expect as he’s a quality fighter. I’ve sparred a lad twice as strong as him, believe me. I’ve flew him over from Russia, paid all his expenses, and he’s been pushing me like never before. I know what I’m bringing to the table after this camp and that’s why I’m so confident.” 

Watch highlights of Anthony Fowler's recent win against Rico Mueller