SAM Smith is targeting the Southern Area title later this year according to trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick.

The Royal Wootton Bassett-based unbeaten light-heavyweight will be the chief support fight on Trifecta Boxing’s ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ show next month.

The card, which was officially launched last night, at the Play Football Arena, will be headlined by Swindon welterweight Ryan Martin, who is targeting a second shot at the WBC Youth world title.

Smith, however, must first take care of business on June 24 before he can turn his attentions to the dangerous Anthony Yarde, who won the Southern Area title last weekend with a devastating fourth round stoppage of Chris Hobbs.

“Sniper (Smith) is, after this next fight, wanting to go straight for the Southern Area title,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Anthony Yarde is the current champion, and to be honest it is not a fight I’m overly keen on yet, but the Southern Area title means so much to Sam.

“I think we would need more time to prepare for someone like Yarde and I'd like to have a little more on it than a Southern Area title.

“Yarde is fighting for the WBO European title in his next fight so he may vacate, but first we have to focus on June.”

Martin and Smith will be joined on the show by David Bailey, Harry Webb, Brandon Thomson and Mitch Preedy.

Tickets for the show are priced £60 ringside, £35 standard and are available from www.trifectaboxing.com or by calling 01793 337725.