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Paul Smith is closing in on a shot at WBA world super middleweight champion Tyron Zeuge when he returns to the ring in early 2017.

The Liverpool boxer (38-6-0) has not fought since stopping Daniel Regi in September.

He lost twice to WBO champion Arthur Abraham in his previous world title challenges.

But Smith, 34, is already in camp ahead of a potential clash with Zeuge in February or March after the German beat Giovanni De Carolis to win the belt last month.

He told the ECHO: “I’m looking for a world title fight next and I’m just waiting for Eddie [Hearn, Smith’s promoter] to get back to me with confirmation of it so fingers crossed.”

Smith's younger brother Callum remained on course for a world title shot of his own with a stoppage victory over Luke Blackledge on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Eric Molina in Manchester.

The 26-year-old will be ringside at the super middleweight unification fight in January between Badou Jack and James DeGale in Brooklyn, knowing he will fight the winner.

Brothers Stephen and Liam have lost respective world title fights against Jason Sosa and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in recent months.

But Paul is confident that he and Callum will achieve their dreams and add more world belts to the family trophy cabinet.

“Liam pushed it over the line and won the world title [beating John Thompson in 2015]. Callum will do it, Stephen will get there and I will as well. There is still a lot to be written for this family yet,” he said.

“I have been in there with Callum and the way he punches and how he punches is frightening. He’s a quality fighter, ask anyone who has been in the ring with him - sparring or fighting.”

The ECHO understands that Liam and Stephen are also targeting an immediate return to world level in the new year.

And with Tony Bellew set to fight David Haye at heavyweight in March, a deal between Smith and Zeuge would ensure an exciting start to 2017 for Merseyside boxing.

“It’s a great time for Liverpool boxing,” Smith said.

“Tony Bellew has a brilliant chance of upsetting the odds against David Haye. He’s not the favourite for the fight but everything that has happened in the past is history.

“These are two big heavyweights banging away at each other and hopefully Tony will be able to pull it off.”