Dodson gets his title opportunity

Dodson had a bruising British title challenge in March

Paul Smith is set to make the maiden defence of his British super-middleweight title against fellow Liverpool fighter Tony Dodson.

A date has not been set for the bout but it is believed the promoters are working towards a February meeting.

Dodson told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It's a fight that not only people in Liverpool want to see, it's the fight the British public want to see.

"It's just a fight that's been there and that's needed to happen."

Smith took the title with a split decision victory over Tony Quigley in October. Quigley won the title with a stoppage victory over Dodson in March.

Given the intertwining fortunes of the three Merseyside fighters, Dodson believes the only sensible conclusion is for him and Smith to face each other.

"After what happened with Paul and Tony Quigley and me and Tony Quigley, the biggest fight to make would be me and Smith," said Dodson.

"It was a massive success for Paul that night, it was a great turnout, it sold a lot of tickets and it makes financial sense to make the fight happen."