‘SMIGGA’S’ CHANCE
Smith gets another crack at world level, but some folks aren’t happy, writes George Gigney
Previewing Paul Smith’s muchdiscussed clash with Tyron Zeuge
WHAT DO PEOPLE EXPECT? SMITH TO SAY ‘THANKS, BUT NO THANKS?’
MUCH has been made of Paul Smith’s upcoming fight with the WBA secondary super-middleweight champion Tyron
Zeuge in Wetzlar, Germany’s Rittal Arena this Saturday (June 17). Some people have pleaded with WBA President Gilberto Mendoza to cancel the bout, and many have directed waves of abuse at Smith.
Their argument is that the Liverpudlian doesn’t deserve the fight. He has thrice fought at world level; losing two times to then-wbo super-middle titlist Arthur Abraham on points, before being stopped by poundfor-pound king Andre Ward. Since then, he has notched three nondescript wins, the last of which came in September.
When Zeuge KO’D Giovanni De Carolis in November, talks began for 34-year-old Smith to fight the young Berliner. Terms were agreed, but the only sticking point was Zeuge’s mandatory challenger Isaac Ekpo, who elected not to step aside. Zeuge defeated him on a technical decision after suffering a nasty cut from an accidental head clash, and plans for the Smith clash were once again put into motion. In fact, it was Tyron’s team who pursued the fight.
What do people expect? When Smith was offered the contest, for him and his promoter Eddie Hearn to turn around and say: “Thanks, but no thanks. People don’t think we deserve this fight, so we’ll turn down the hefty purse and chance to solidify a lofty world ranking”?
Smith and his team applied to the WBA for him to be ranked in their top 15 so he could be eligible to fight Zeuge, citing his decent performances against Abraham as evidence. He had been removed from various rankings by fighting for the WBO title. He was placed at fifth by the WBA, which is far too high, especially as it places him above Abraham, but that is no fault of Paul’s.
Much of the vitriol spat at Smith on social media is down to the WBA’S belt being on the line in this fight. Boxing
News does not recognise secondary titles; George Groves is the full WBA champion. For that reason, the bout should be judged for what it is. Zeuge-smith is a decent 12-round fight. Smith should be commended for once again agreeing to travel abroad for what will be a tough night. He is fully aware that, at this stage of his career, this is likely to be his last chance at this level. Should he win, there are other lucrative fights he can secure to enhance his family’s future before hanging up his gloves. In a sport as brutal as boxing, a fighter – who, let’s not forget, is the one who risks the most – getting dealt a good hand is nice to see.
Any criticism of the fight should be directed at the WBA. Then again, in 2015 they even ranked a fighter who had long been dead, so perhaps we should lower our expectations of the Panama outfit. Our main bone of contention with them is the continued existence of their interim and secondary titles, which are utterly pointless.
Anyway, back to the fight. As mentioned, Zeuge beat De Carolis last year to win this secondary strap, having had to settle for a draw in their first fight. He was slightly ahead on the cards when he finished the Italian with just seconds remaining. Prior to facing De Carolis for the first time, the 25-year-old had not mixed with great opposition; his best win was a decision victory over Nikola Sjekloca, who had just been dominated by Paul’s younger brother Callum.
Smith is vastly more experienced, though, admittedly, lacks a major win above domestic level. A two-time British champion, Smith earned gutsy wins over the likes of Tony Quigley and Tony Dodson (twice), though was stopped by both Groves and James Degale. He pushed Abraham remarkably close in their first fight in 2014, only to be on the wrong end of some ludicrously wide scorecards. Arthur’s win in the rematch was more convincing, and Smith then made another huge leap in class against Ward, but was halted in nine rounds.
The outspoken Scouser is past his best, and his recent outings haven’t told us much, but he’s had ample time to prepare for Zeuge. Boxing behind a high guard, Smith throws a swift jab and bides his time before unleashing heavier blows. He times his right well and launches it from range. His defence isn’t particularly tight and he is prone to being marked up and cut, but he is brave and hard to dissuade when he’s on the front foot.
Zeuge is also aggressive and slightly lax with his defence, meaning this could turn into an entertaining scrap. He tired in the second half of his fights with De Carolis, so if Smith can take him into deep waters then things could get very interesting. However, Zeuge’s youth and current form mean he will likely take this one on points.
Reports at the time of writing claim Paul’s brother, super-feather Stephen
Smith, will feature on the undercard.
THE VERDICT The criticism aimed at Smith is misplaced.