text: Paul Smith has landed one of the toughest fights in boxing after finalising terms to face Andre Ward on June 20. As revealed by Sportsmail, the fight in Oakland, California will not be for Ward's WBA super-middleweight world title. But it amounts to a huge, albeit daunting, opportunity for Smith, who failed in back-to-back challenges for Arthur Abraham's WBO belt. Paul Smith (left) has landed a shot at the unbeaten Californian Andre Ward . Ward (right) has not fought since he beat Edwin Rodriguez on points in November 2013 . In Ward he will face a man who outclassed Carl Froch in 2011, but who has been inactive since November 2013. Ring rust from that 17-month spell could be a factor in determining if Smith can beat one of the sport's top pound-for-pound talents, with the 32-year-old saying: 'I cannot wait to get back in the ring and test myself against a class act like Andre Ward. 'I proved that I belong at the top level with my performances against Arthur Abraham and this is a challenge that I am relishing. Andre is a top pound-for-pound fighter and someone I respect a lot, but he has only boxed once in almost three years and I will give it everything I have got. 'I am fresh and confident going into this fight. It's a massive opportunity for me and one that I took with both hands when it was offered. I have spent a lot of time boxing in the United States and I look forward to returning for this fight.' Ward said: 'I'm very excited to be coming back on June 20 at Oracle Arena in my hometown of Oakland, which has been a long time coming. I have an extremely tough fighter in front of me in Paul Smith, who's looking to pull the upset, but I can't let that happen. 'I have to be on my best game to turn Smith away and beat him the way I want to beat him.' Ward's WBA world super-middleweight title will not be on the line when he faces Smith in June .
target: Paul Smith will take on Andre Ward on June 20 in California .
  Ward's WBA super-middleweight title will not be on the line .
  Smith is coming off back-to-back world title defeats by Arthur Abraham .
  Ward has not fought since he beat Edwin Rodriquez in November 2013 .