SAM ‘Sniper’ Smith says he is the sharpest he has every been as he prepares to make his TV debut in this tonight's Ultimate Boxxer competition in London.

Light-heavyweight Smith, who is trained by Swindon-based Paddy Fitzpatrick, starts his campaign against Shakan Pitters.

If successful throughout the night at the O2 Arena, Smith will increase his record from 5-1 to 8-1 in addition to pocketing the £50,000 prize.

Smith has endured a long 12-week camp in preparation for the knockout competition, and believes the results will speak for themselves.

“It’s been a long camp and it has finally crept up on me. I’ve been doing a lot of different things, a lot more sprint work and my sparring has been different too," said Smith.

“It has been more intense, but I’ve still enjoyed it. The sessions have been a bit shorter and they’re not as draining.

“This is the best shape I have been in for a fight. I’m on weight already, which is something I have never had before.

“Normally, I am three or four pounds over and I’m stressing about it, but there is none of that this time around and I think that’s because the sessions have made it easier.

“I’m really sharp. This is the sharpest I have been in the gym, I just can’t wait until Saturday.

“I’ve had a long time to get ready for it. The build-up has been different too. Normally I am chief support on a show so I don’t mind getting the attention. It is either sink or swim.”

The tournament will bring Smith to a new audience as he will be making his first appearance on TV, with the event shown on Channel Five.

Smith is fully aware of the pressure that comes with featuring in a competition of this nature, and says he is hoping to embrace it.

“It’s the first time I will be on TV and I’m excited about it,” he said

“I know it will feel a bit weird, but I think you have to just focus on the fight. You can’t think about making mistakes because if you do, you get punished.

“We have trained so hard for this and I know what my gameplan is for each fighter. I’m going to take it one round at a time.”