TheBlindJournalist: Come on @CallumSmith23, external we all know how good you are. Can’t wait for Mike Costello’s commentary and the legendary punditry of @bigdaddybunce, external

Into the final minute of the opening segment, jab and left hand from Ryder gets home. That's the best work of the round. Has he angered Smith a touch as the Liverpudlian throws a right hook but only finds the guard.

A slow opening three minutes and the away corner will be pleased with that.

Here we go, John Ryder, a southpaw, comes out with that left-handed stance. The feet of both men will be closer together tonight because of the contrast in stance.

Steady stuff from Smith, no getting carried away with the occasion. He looks way taller than his rival. I believe the difference is six inches but it looks more.

Ryder will likely want to make himself look smaller and harder to hit as a result. Smith throws a right hand but Ryder rocks back out of range. Ryder goes forward, to the body, Smith blocks.

A minute to go in the first...

Callum Smith's brother Liam holds one belt aloft proudly and sports a big grin. Trainer Joe Gallagher slips the gum shield in.

"You both know the rules so let's have a good clean fight. Most of all defend yourselves at all times OK."

That's the referee. We are ready to go.

Dare I say it, those in John Ryder's corner don't look overly confident...

Michael Buffer takes over again and starts running us through the officials, judges and the list goes on. We'll be shouting out the guy who built the arena next. Here we go...

"Liverpool are you ready? For the thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world. Ladies and gentlemen, let's get ready to ruuummmmmmmble."

The strains of You'll Never Walk Alone play out in the arena seconds before Callum Smith walks to the ring. The tune ends and Deacon Blue kicks in - 'Wages Day'.

Time to earn your money gents.

Natasha Jonas
First female British Olympic boxer on BBC Radio 5 Live

He is the same on fight night as he is in the gym - cool, calm and collected. What you see is what you get with Callum.

John Ryder swaggers to the ring. The lights flash around Liverpool's M&S Arena. His trainer has a hand on his shoulder and perhaps knows this is a level up and his man needs a bit of support. Promoter Eddie Hearn is in the ring waiting for the champion, who leaves his dressing room and looks very much tuned in...

Michael Buffer takes the spotlight and introduces John 'The Gorilla' Ryder.

I've watched a few David Attenborough shows and the last I saw, Ryder was not an actual Gorilla.

Here comes John Ryder. He leaves his dressing room along with former world champion Darren Barker. He will be able to hear the Scouse voices singing Sweet Caroline...

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing pundit

I've just seen Callum Smith getting gloved up and doing an interview with Sky. Interesting thing about Callum is we don't know much about him. We know a lot about his brothers but not him. I'm watching him now so relaxed back stage and I am thinking, is he really that relaxed? It seems so bizarre.

"Touching me.... touching you..."

Natasha Jonas
First female British Olympic boxer on BBC Radio 5 Live

He is in great shape. Callum doesn't struggle to make weight. He comes into the gym and is very relaxed. He is like the silent assassin.

For all the talk on how good Callum Smith is - and he is very good - it's worth remembering John Ryder earned his shot at this belt by working his way to four straight wins and defeating Bilal Akkawy last time out in Las Vegas. Akkawy had never lost, so that win in itself was no mean feat.

Is Smith a level above? We are about to find out...

Image source, .

Callum Smith has been superb on his last two outings - ripping the world title from George Groves and defending it against a respected and tough man in Hassan N'Dam.

Being around Smith, you can see how naturally driven he is and when we caught up with him, he spoke about the fire that burns within.

"When I won the world title, I am not going to lie, it was an unbelievable feeling," he told BBC Sport. "It was like a weight off my shoulders, a goal I'd set myself for so long and one others had talked about. When I got there I realised how I am never satisfied and how I always want more.

"I don't know if I will ever be satisfied but I will keep going until hopefully I am. Now it's about ticking boxes. Unify titles, box at Anfield and I'd love to fight in Vegas.

"If I knew a bout with the three other champions could be made next I would take it. They are the fights that motivate me, the ones with fear factor where I know if I don't turn up I will lose."

Callum Smith speaks to Sky Sports moments before his ring walk: "I'm looking forward to getting in and putting a show on. The main goal is always to win and wake up a world champion, I can't wait to do it in front of my own fans. I believe I am the best on the planet and tonight I will show that. I am ready for anyone in the division."

Callum Smith let BBC Sport watch him train and then sat down to discuss everything from fatherhood to a personality trait that he says means he is never satisfied with what he has achieved.

You can read the full thing here or watch a clip below.

A reminder we will be live-texting Wilder v Ortiz at around 04:00 GMT and if Deontay has his way, it'll be a quick night. I've stood next to Luis Ortiz though and all I can say is the block-like size of him means he will be exceptionally hard to knock over.

Anyway, back to 168lbs and Callum Smith...