A tense atmosphere dominated the remainder of the media gathering with each confident of victory.

Quigley said: “I want people to see Liverpool as a knowledgeable and professional boxing city, which I know it is. We have a lot talent straight through from the amateurs to the pros.

“For a local fighter there is nothing better than performing at this venue. It is a real honour. Before that we were having to make do with small halls.

“My career has taken off and turned around in the last six months. I am happy where I am and want to stay there.”

Man of few words Smith, added: “I have got a lot more experience than him and I think he is rattled by me.

“But regardless of the rivalry I am fighting for the British title and that is all I want.”

The highly anticipated title fight will headline the Frank Warren bill, and with an undercard brimming with local talent and Olympians, it promises to be a thrilling night.

Liverpool light-heavyweight knockout specialist Tony Bellew used his weigh-in to score the first psychological points against opponent Jindrich Velecky, staring at the Hungarian intensely as the pair posed for pictures.

For ticket information visit www.echoarena.com or call 0844 847 2500.

Full bill Tony Quigley v Paul Smith (British Super-Middleweight title fight), James DeGale v Ally Morrison (Middleweight contest), Liam Smith v Darren Gethin (Light Welterweight), Tony Bellew v Jindrich Velecky (Light-Heavyweight), Frankie Gavin v Steve Saville (Welterweight), Michael Jennings v Laszlo Komjathi (Welterweight), Stephen Smith v Gavin Reid (Super-Featherweight), Jamie Cox v Manoo Salari (Welterweight), Joe Selkirk v Alex Spitko (Welterweight).  First Bell at 6:45pm (Sky Sports 1, 10pm).