The Talented Mr Smith

It's official, Liverpool is buzzing at the prospect of Paul Smith and Tony Dodson squaring off for the British super-middleweight crown. The war of words has gathered pace far faster than anyone would have believed and the whole British boxing community awaits with baited breath. Funnily enough though, if you ask most knowledgeable pundits, the most talented man on the bill will not be appearing in the main event. Stephen Smith, younger brother of British champ Paul, and the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist (also the year he won the European Championship bronze medal) is gaining such plaudits for his performances, that many believe that not only could he win a world title, maybe he should.

Coming from a fighting family it was no real surprise that the 24-year-old featherweight laced on the gloves many years ago.

“We lived just across the road from the Rotunda ABC in Liverpool. One day my older brother Paul went in with his mates and started. I just followed on and my younger brothers likewise. My dad has always followed boxing though, there isn't much that he doesn't know about the sport and that had an influence too.”

Success followed success for the youngster. He won two ABA titles at feather, beating Akaash Bhatia in 2005-2006 and outpointing Samieri Mounieme a year later. He won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Melbourne, the same year winning a bronze medal at the European championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The young starlet only lost out to amateur legend Albert Selimov in the semi-final, nothing to be ashamed of. Smith remembers his career and some of the great men he has faced.

“Every title I won was special but the the first time I won a national title was extra special. It gave me a feeling of recognition that I was the best. My greatest memory was winning the Commonwealth Games gold in Melbourne. It was an amazing place and an amazing trip anyway, the experience itself was invaluable but winning the gold just topped it off. As for the best names, Albert Selimov from Russia was brilliant, lovely loose southpaw style, he was World and European champion. Alexei Tischenko, the double Olympic champion was another great name I fought for obvious reasons. I fought him at a Multi-Nations in Helsinki. I remember having a good first round, they were pressing the button for fun with him just winning the Olympic title in Athens.”

However, there is no doubt about who Smith regards as his greatest opponent.

“For me the best lad I ever shared a ring with is Frankie Gavin. I fought him twice and lost 5-4 and 7-4. No-one else came close, he was so hard to hit and had everything. I believe he will go all the way.”

One major setback occurred in 2007. Smith went to the World Championships. Stephen was expected to do very well, maybe even win it, but a first round defeat to Marcel Herfeuth put paid to all his great plans. A defeat that still lurks in the back of his mind.

“Yes, losing to Marcel Herfeuth did wind me up for a while. I had stopped him before so when I was drawn against him in the World Championships I looked past him to the next round where I new I would face Albert Selimov, the current World champion. I went on to lose on points. It was a silly mistake on my part and I will never look past an opponent again.”

In June 2008 Smith started his pro career, stopping Shaun Walton in three rounds. He signed up with the country's largest promoter, Frank Warren. A wise decision according to the youngster.

“It was an easy choice really, I believe there is no other promoter who can match him. He is the best promoter in the UK.”

Smith has gone on to win nine straight bouts, five inside the distance. Though many youngster struggle to adapt to the pro ranks, Smith believes that his style will help him get to the top.

“I think since going pro I plant my feet a lot more and put power into my shots which I didn't do in the amateurs. A lot of people didn't think I could adapt to the pro game but they didn't realise I was adapting to the amateur game really to go as far as I could, it didn't really suit me. I didn't even clench my fist in the amateurs, I just used to try and hit the target and get out of range as quickly as possible. I am now working on moving my head a lot more and doing other things that will help me do well in the pros. People will see my body punching a lot more now too.”

Obviously Stephen had created a great name for himself, but he would always get a lot more publicity due to his famous brother. A lot of fighters struggle with that pressure, Matthew Hatton has only just started coming into his own after seven years as a professional fighter. This however, has not affected 'Swifty.'

“Having Paul as a big brother I believe helped me earlier in my career as he sort of let me know what was ahead. Even now I don't see it as pressure, but for my youngest brother Callum, having three brothers, all ABA champs and all doing well as pros, I do believe he has a lot more pressure unfortunately.”

Though the performances have been quality and the reviews equally positive there have been a lot of rumours that Smith was unhappy at not being on TV, while the likes of Gavin, Degale and Saunders have become household names. Smith, is happy to set the record straight, though there are certain issues he would like resolved.

“No, I have never really moaned about not being on TV. As far as I'm concerned I'm coming along nicely, under the radar so to speak so it might work out better for me. I'm not going to say it reduces the pressure as the greatest pressure comes from myself. I would want to win just as much if I was fighting in an empty room as If I was fighting on telly in front of millions. The only thing I have moaned about is if I'm put on as the 'swing bout' all the time and not knowing exactly when I'm fighting. Then getting told I'm on last after warming up five minutes. Or being told I'm on in 60 seconds and not warming up at all. A one-off wouldn't be bad but when its happening all the time it gets annoying, yes.”

One can't accuse Smith of not communicating his feelings. You do get a real sense that the relationship would be perfect if this issue was resolved. Still, no great scoop here, Smith is, in general a happy bunny!

Finally the conversation had to get around to his older brothers Paul's clash with cross-city rival Tony Dodson. With the war of words heating up between the pair, the question arose, How does the younger sibling feel the fight is going to go?

“I have never had a problem with Tony until recently really. But obviously anyone reading articles with someone calling their brother a 'little bastard' is going to lose respect for them. I just think he is a bit deluded when he goes around slagging Paul off for losing to Steve Bendall when he lost to Davytan who had never won a fight! He isn't able to take the shots, in my opinion. He will be fit and up for the fight and meet Paul head on...and Paul will knock him out.”

Strong words for a man who obviously idolises his older brother. One can only wait to see if his statements about Dodson's punch resistance are proven correct or not. Family loyalty or incisive boxing predictions? We will find out on March 12th.

No matter what happens that night, Stephen has his own road to travel, he will have to negotiate his own potholes and his own speeding vehicles heading the other way. 'Swifty' however knows where he wants to be by the end of 2010.

“By the end of 2010 I want to have won the British title.”

Short, sweet, here is a man who seems to know exactly where he is going. Those who have seen him are almost convinced his dream will become reality. Those who have yet to watch the Liverpool youngster will look to be won over on March 12th. It should be one hell of a night!