Swindon-trained ‘Sniper’ Sam Smith enters the Ultimate Boxxer II event at The O2 on November 2. Writing for the Swindon Advertiser, Smith talks about his preparations for the biggest test of his three-year career.

MY training camp started, I’d say, four weeks ago now. I had been ticking over in between, so I entered with a good level of fitness and I’m in full flow at the moment.

The format of the Ultimate Boxxer tournament is three three-minute rounds so I have been adapting to that particular arrangement.

There’s been a lot more work on the bike, much more sprinting and plenty of other intense work to suit the competition.

Ultimate Boxxer II will have eight boxers competing for a £50,000 prize fund, so there are just three wins separating me from life-changing money.

I have been sparring three sets of three three-minute rounds and I actually find it more tiring than doing a full 12 rounds. The intensity is draining.

I’m using all different sparring partners – one for speed, one for power, one for skill, as I’ll be up against all different styles.

I’ve got professional boxers Luke ‘The Duke’ Watkins, Ryan Martin, Bradley Townsend all available to me at Fitzpatrick’s Gym in Ferndale Road.

Winning Ultimate Boxxer would mean everything for me and my family.

The platform on the 5Spike television channel would give my profile a big boost and three wins in one night would elevate my name in the light-heavyweight rankings and set up a title fight next.

Also, the money isn’t bad either - £50,000 would definitely make for a nice Christmas!

My wife, Annemarie, and daughter would be happy with that.

I will have been married three years in October and my little girl will be two in the same month.

We live in Guildford but have family in Swindon and I have had two of my professional fights in Swindon, so I get great support from the area.

I hope many of you will come to London to support me on November 2.