Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) is ranked at No. 1 in The Ring's 140-pound ratings while Puello (25-1, 11 KOs) sits third.

In January, the 29-year-old from Sheffield clinched world honors by beating the aggressive Subriel Matias in a violent shootout. Previously though, he has shown the ability to be a composed, efficient punch picker and patient but ruthless counterpuncher.

32-year-old Puello is a two-time junior welterweight titleholder and Smith knows he will need to prepare more than one route to victory to get past the experienced southpaw from the Dominican Republic.

“Look, you've got to do what you've got to do to win a fight,” Smith told The Ring.

“I don't know how he's going to approach the fight. Whether he'll be on the back or front foot, we'll prepare for all angles but one thing I've shown is that I can fight or be a clinical boxer if I need to be. It's going to be an unbelievable performance for me."

From Terry Marsh to Ricky Hatton and Ricky Burns to Amir Khan, the junior welterweight division has been a happy hunting ground for British fighters over the years. Smith's eventual goal is to follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s Josh Taylor, becoming the undisputed king at 140 pounds.

The brilliant Shakur Stevenson is Ring and WBO champion while Gary Antuanne Russell holds the WBA belt. The IBF crown is currently vacant.

Smith is fully focused on beating Puello but remains confident he has what it takes to collect the remaining belts, proving himself as the world's best junior welterweight.

“Of course, one fight at a time but the sky's the limit. To become undisputed and do what Josh Taylor did, it would be an unbelievable achievement,” he said.

“I can win one world title so there's no reason why I can't win them all.”