WITHOUT question, Sam ‘Sniper’ Smith has bigger and better things on the horizon.

Anthony Fox’s unfortunate injury denied Swindon boxing fans the chance to watch Smith fight for the vacant Southern Area super-middleweight title this weekend.

That mouth-watering all-Wiltshire bout has been rescheduled, though, for Fight Town 3 on November 3.

But before that, Smith must pass the test in front of him – a fight against Latvian threat Edgars Sniedze at the Oasis Leisure Centre tomorrow night.

Sniedze was called onto Mark Neilson’s Fight Town 2 card by surprise following Fox’s untimely injury.

And with a record of 6-27-0, Neilson understands Smith’s challenge this weekend will act as a fight to keep his schedule ticking along.

In saying that, the promoter insists Sniper must win, and win comfortably, to guarantee the British Boxing Board of Control sanctioning his upcoming duel with Smith as a title fight.

Neilson said: “Sam has talent, we’ve all seen it previously.

“He was disappointed to lose out on the Southern Area fight with Anthony Fox because he really fancied it, but that’s on the horizon now because of Anthony’s injury.

“Saturday night is about keeping Sam busy, but his real aim is November 3 for the Southern Area title against Fox.

“Fox has caused some upsets in the away corner – he’s beaten some hot prospects.

“If Sam can beat Fox convincingly, the next step up for him would be the English title.

“There are lots of titles around at the moment, and Sam’s Southern Area fight is a steppingstone to having a shot at the English.”

Neilson has no fears over Smith’s complacency levels, though.

The Fight Town promoter insists the 26-year-old will deliver his best punches as he attempts to stamp his authority on the super-middleweight division.

Neilson said: “Any boxer has an eye around the corner, but they have to deal with what is in front of them first.

“Look at Anthony Joshua – everyone was talking about the Deontay Wilder fight before he took care of Andy Ruiz.

“From Sam’s point of view, all eyes in his corner are on Edgars Sniedze.

“If he slips up on Saturday, it could throw it into question in the board sanctions his fight against Fox as a Southern Area title bout.

“He’s got to win.”