Paul Smith (boxer)

Last updated

Paul James Smith Jr.
Paul Smith - 2011-11-05.jpg
Smith in 2011
Born
Paul James Smith Jr.

(1982-10-06) 6 October 1982 (age 41)
Liverpool, Merseyside, England
NationalityBritish
Other namesReal Gone Kid
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Reach72 in (183 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights45
Wins38
Wins by KO22
Losses7
Medal record
Representing Flag of England.svg  England
Men's amateur boxing
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2002 Manchester Light-middleweight
Paul Smith
Genres Grime
Occupation(s) MC, songwriter
Years active2004–present

Paul James Smith Jr. (born 6 October 1982) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2003 to 2017, and has since worked as a commentator. He held the English middleweight title in 2008, the British super-middleweight title twice between 2009 and 2014, and challenged three times for a super-middleweight world title. As an amateur, he won a silver medal in the light middleweight division at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Contents

Amateur career

Smith started boxing at age nine with the Rotunda amateur boxing club and fought in South Africa, Uzbekistan, and Denmark representing England. He comes from a family of boxers and he and his brothers (Stephen, Liam, and Callum) became the first group of siblings to all win ABA titles. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Paul won silver medals for his country in the 2001 Copenhagen Cup [6] and 2002 Commonwealth Games, losing to Jean Pascal by two points; [7] Smith was then picked up by Frank Warren and turned professional.

Professional career

Early career

Smith's career has featured many bouts held mainly in the UK, Germany and the USA. He has faced Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham for the WBO Super-Middleweight title twice. The first was a controversial decision.

On 10 March 2007, he KO'd the Belgian, Alexander Polizzi in Liverpool, winning the WBU international middleweight title in the eighth round.

On 20 March 2007, Smith took part in boxing's answer to Golf's Ryder Cup fighting American Jonathan Reid; the Nashville, Tennessee resident lost to Smith on a technical knockout.

The Contender

On 4 September 2007, Smith joined nine other boxing hopefuls as members of season three of The Contender . Smith fought rival David Banks from Portland, Oregon, and ended with a win for Smith by split-decision. However, since Smith had the lowest point total out of the remaining boxers, he was disqualified. The victory over David Banks was fought in Pasadena, California and was broadcast on ESPN and ITV; Ray Leonard said Smith let his anger take away from his ability. Smith was left with two cuts, one on his nose and another around his eye; this meant he was medically unfit to continue the contest regardless of performance.

Smith returned to England and defeated Cello Renda to win the vacant English middleweight title. He lost the title in his very next fight against Steven Bendall on 21 June 2008 in Birmingham, England, on a much contested points decision. [8]

British super-middleweight champion

On 30 October 2009, Smith challenged Tony Quigley for the British super-middleweight title in Liverpool's Echo Arena. Quigley was the holder of the British title after defeating Tony Dodson only months earlier at the same venue. The fight was a tight affair with Smith eventually winning via split decision over 12 rounds thus crowning him the new British super-middleweight title holder.

Smith's first defense of his title came in his thirtieth professional contest at the Echo Arena, Liverpool on 12 March 2010, against Tony Dodson. Smith won again, this time via a unanimous 12-round decision.

Smith boxed Beijing 2008 gold medalist, James DeGale at the Echo Arena, Liverpool on 11 December 2012. The fight was stopped in the ninth round as DeGale landed back-to-back left hooks on Smith, causing the latter to lose his British super-middleweight title.

Smith vs. Groves

Smith (left) vs. Groves, 2011 George groves2 - wembley 2011.11.05.jpg
Smith (left) vs. Groves, 2011

After winning his next two fights, Smith once again challenged for the British title and the Commonwealth title against George Groves. The bout took place in Groves' native London at the Wembley Arena on 5 November 2011. Smith won the opening round on all three judges cards and landed a hard shot on Groves towards the end of the round. One minute into the second round, however, a lead overhand right from Groves to Smith's jaw floored him. Smith was able to beat the count only to be dropped again, forcing the referee to halt the contest.

Smith vs. Abraham

On 27 September 2014, Smith fought WBO Super-Middleweight title holder Arthur Abraham in Kiel, Germany. Despite arguably outworking Abraham for the full 12 rounds, the judges ruled in the Armenian's favour by scores of 119–109, 117–111 and 117–110. Many ringside observers saw the fight as being far closer than the judges ruled it and Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn labelled the judges scores a "disgrace." [9]

The two met in a rematch on February 21, 2015, at the O2 World Arena in Berlin. This also went the full 12 rounds as Abraham won via points on all three scorecards (116-112, 117-111 twice). [10]

Smith vs. Ward

After his loss to Abraham, Smith faced top pound for pound boxer, Andre Ward. This was Ward's first fight in 19 months, following a promotional dispute which sidelined him and caused him to lose his titles. The fight was scheduled for June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in California at a 172 lbs catchweight fight. The fight was to take place on BET. [11] Ward won via TKO in the 9th round. Ward was winning every round at the time of stoppage (80-72, 3 times). [12] [13] [14] Smith missed weight, coming in at 176.4 lbs and was fined 20% ($45,000) of his $225,000 purse by the California State Athletic Commission, half of which went to Ward and half to the commission. [15] Despite being available in over 90 million homes, the fight averaged 323,000 viewers on BET. [16]

Smith vs Kubin

In his comeback fight, Smith faced Bronislav Kubin. Smith dropped Kubin twice in the second round, and managed to finish his opponent in the third round, to get his comeback win. [17]

Smith vs Grafka

Smith won the second fight of his comeback too, this time a 59 to 55 points victory over six rounds, against Bartlomiej Grafka. [18]

Smith vs Regi

On 10 September 2016 Smith fought Daniel Regi on the Golovkin vs Brook undercard. Smith dropped his opponent several times, en route to a fifth-round TKO win. [19]

Smith vs. Zeuge

Smith's third and final world title challenge came against WBA (Regular) super middleweight champion Tyron Zeuge in June 2017 at Rittal Arena Wetzlar. The younger Zeuge proved to be too much for Smith, as he won a wide unanimous decision (119-108, 119–108, 119–108). Zeuge outworked Smith with his jab and was able to score a knockdown in round 12. [20]

Music career

As well as being a boxer, Smith is a resident DJ at the 'Society' nightclub in Liverpool. [21] He co-wrote the Ultrabeat song "Better Than Life", with Mike Di Scala and has remixed the song "Falling Stars (Waiting For A Star To Fall)" by Sunset Strippers, also with Di Scala. [22]

Personal life

Paul Smith comes from a family of professional boxers, which includes Stephen Smith, Liam Smith, and Callum Smith. [23]

Professional boxing record

45 fights38 wins7 losses
By knockout223
By decision164
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
45Loss38–7 Tyron Zeuge UD1217 Jun 2017 Rittal Arena, Wetzlar, GermanyFor WBA (Regular) and GBU super-middleweight titles
44Win38–6Daniel RegiTKO5 (6), 2:16 10 Sep 2016 The O2 Arena, London, England
43Win37–6Bartlomiej GrafkaPTS629 May 2016 Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
42Win36–6Bronislav KubinTKO3 (6), 0:257 May 2016 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
41Loss35–6 Andre Ward TKO9 (12), 1:4620 Jun 2015 Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, US
40Loss35–5 Arthur Abraham UD1221 Feb 2015 O2 World Arena, Berlin, GermanyFor WBO super-middleweight title
39Loss35–4 Arthur Abraham UD1227 Sep 2014 Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, GermanyFor WBO super-middleweight title
38Win35–3David SarabiaTKO2 (8), 1:1717 May 2014 Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales
37Win34–3Jamie AmblerPTS614 Dec 2013 ExCeL, London, England
36Win33–3 Tony Dodson TKO6 (12), 2:3129 Jun 2013Bolton Arena, Bolton, EnglandWon vacant British super-middleweight title
35Win32–3Tommy TolanRTD4 (6), 3:009 Nov 2012Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
34Loss31–3 George Groves TKO2 (12), 1:185 Nov 2011 Wembley Arena, London, EnglandFor British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles
33Win31–2Paul SamuelsTKO1 (8), 2:2217 Sep 2011Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
32Win30–2Jozsef MatolcsiKO1 (8), 0:5821 May 2011The O2 Arena, London, England
31Loss29–2 James DeGale TKO9 (12), 2:0811 Dec 2010Echo Arena, Liverpool, EnglandLost British super-middleweight title
30Win29–1 Tony Dodson UD1212 Mar 2010Echo Arena, Liverpool, EnglandRetained British super-middleweight title
29Win28–1 Tony Quigley SD1230 Oct 2009 Echo Arena, Liverpool, EnglandWon British super-middleweight title
28Win27–1Michal BilakPTS818 Jul 2009MEN Arena, Manchester, England
27Win26–1Rashid MatumlaTKO2 (12), 2:3514 Mar 2009MEN Arena, Manchester, EnglandWon vacant WBA International super-middleweight title
26Win25–1Ciaran HealyPTS612 Dec 2008Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
25Win24–1Danny ThorntonKO6 (8), 2:506 Sep 2008MEN Arena, Manchester, England
24Loss23–1 Steven Bendall PTS1021 Jun 2008 National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, EnglandLost English middleweight title
23Win23–0 Cello Renda TKO6 (10), 1:558 Mar 2008 The O2 Arena, London, EnglandWon vacant English middleweight title
22Win22–0Francis ChekaPTS88 Dec 2007 Bolton Arena, Bolton, England
21Win21–0David BanksSD59 Oct 2007The Contender Arena, Los Angeles, California, USPart of The Contender series 3
20Win20–0 Jonathan Reid TKO7 (8), 1:2130 Mar 2007 Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, EnglandPart of The Contender Challenge: UK vs. USA
19Win19–0Alexander PolizziTKO8 (12)10 Mar 2007 Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
18Win18–0Ryan WallsTKO4 (8), 2:4818 Nov 2006Newport Centre, Newport, Wales
17Win17–0Dean WalkerTKO3 (10), 2:4914 Oct 2006MEN Arena, Manchester, EnglandWon vacant British Central Area middleweight title
16Win16–0Conroy McIntoshPTS81 Jun 2006 Metrodome, Barnsley, England
15Win15–0Hussain OsmanTKO4 (6), 2:0011 Mar 2006 Newport Centre, Newport, Wales
14Win14–0Simeon CoverPTS63 Jun 2005MEN Arena, Manchester, England
13Win13–0Rob BurtonKO1 (6), 1:5411 Feb 2005MEN Arena, Manchester, England
12Win12–0Howard ClarkeKO1 (6), 2:1117 Dec 2004Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
11Win11–0Jason CollinsTKO1 (6), 1:421 Oct 2004MEN Arena, Manchester, England
10Win10–0Ojay AbrahamsPTS410 Sep 2004Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
9Win9–0Steve TimmsTKO1 (6), 2:5712 Jun 2004MEN Arena, Manchester, England
8Win8–0Howard ClarkePTS43 Apr 2004MEN Arena, Manchester, England
7Win7–0Davy JonesPTS426 Feb 2004Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
6Win6–0Joel AniPTS413 Dec 2003MEN Arena, Manchester, England
5Win5–0Mike DuffieldTKO1 (4), 2:4110 Feb 2003Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
4Win4–0Patrick CitoPTS429 Aug 2003Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
3Win3–0Silver FoxTKO2 (4), 2:4020 Jun 2003Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
2Win2–0Andrey IvanovTKO2 (4), 1:008 May 2003Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
1Win1–0Howard ClarkePTS45 Apr 2003 MEN Arena, Manchester, England

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References

  1. ↑ "ABA Light Middleweight Champions – BoxRec".
  2. ↑ "ABA Light Welterweight Champions – BoxRec".
  3. ↑ "Great Britain Champs 2010".
  4. ↑ "Great Britain Champs 2011".
  5. ↑ "ABA Featherweight Champions – BoxRec".
  6. ↑ http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/CopenhagenCup2001.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  7. ↑ "17.Commonwealth Games – Manchester, England – July 27 – August 4 2002".
  8. ↑ "Smith stunned by Bendall defeat". Icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk. 23 June 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  9. ↑ "Paul Smith robbed in fight against Arthur Abraham in Germany as Eddie Hearn calls judges' verdicts 'a disgrace'". 27 September 2014.
  10. ↑ "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Paul Smith". boxrec.com. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  11. ↑ "Press Release: BET To Air Andre Ward vs Paul Smith, Plus 9 "Throne boxing" events with Roc Nation | BoxingInsider.com". BoxingInsider.com. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  12. ↑ Christ, Scott (21 June 2015). "Ward returns with easy win over Smith". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  13. ↑ "Andre Ward beats Paul Smith in comeback fight in Oakland". BBC Sport. 21 June 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  14. ↑ "Ward TKO's Smith in return from 19-month break". ESPN.com. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  15. ↑ "Paul Smith blows weight for second time for Ward fight". ESPN.com. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  16. ↑ "Ward vs. Smith nets low ratings of 323k in viewership". Inside the Ropes Boxing - Your #1 source for boxing news. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  17. ↑ "Paul Smith Makes a Successful Return With TKO Win". BoxingScene.com. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  18. ↑ "Bellew vs. Makabu LIVE Results From Goodison Park". BoxingScene.com. 29 May 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  19. ↑ "Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook LIVE Results From London". BoxingScene.com. 10 September 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  20. ↑ "Zeuge vs Smith: Paul Smith suffers points defeat in WBA title fight with Tyron Zeuge".
  21. ↑ "Club Society website". Societyuk.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2007. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  22. ↑ "Paul Smith Jnr". Discogs.com. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  23. ↑ "Biography at boxrec.com". boxrec.com. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Matthew Thirwall		 ABA light-middleweight champion
2002		Next:
Antony Fowler
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Dean Walker 		British Central Area
middleweight champion
14 October 2006 – 8 March 2008
Won English title		Vacant
Title next held by
Jez Wilson
Vacant
Title last held by
Wayne Elcock 		English middleweight champion
8 March 2008 – 21 June 2008		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Paul Muyodi 		WBA International
super-middleweight champion
14 March 2009 – May 2010
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
James DeGale
Preceded by British super-middleweight champion
30 October 2009 – 11 December 2010		Succeeded by
James DeGale
Vacant
Title last held by
Kenny Anderson 		British super-middleweight champion
29 June 2013 – September 2014
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Callum Smith
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