Age no barrier for Smith

BOXING : Fidel Castro Smith was allowed to go in feet first on his only previous appearance at York Hall, Bethnal Green. That was 10 years ago, when he lost his kick-boxing title - but his return to the east London venue on Monday will be a stric tly orthodox attempt to regain the British super-middleweight title.

At the age of 31, Smith realises time and opportunities are not on his side, although his opponent, Ali Forbes, is two years older. Smith has lost four of his last five contests, after a run of 11 successive wins between 1989 and 1992. The first of that sequence was the controversial loss of the British title to Henry Wharton at Elland Road, Leeds, 29 months ago.

Forbes, who did not turn professional until the age of 28, is an all-round sportsman who manages a Saturday football side, Tenembee, which once had the Arsenal and England star, Ian Wright, in its front line.

"I never thought a British title shot would come my way at this age, but now I've got this chance, I'm confident I can win the title," Forbes said.