Well done, beating a top domestic champion in their own backyard - I didn't think he'd be able to pull it off.... Alright, one of the judges wasn't with us, but it was a close fight that could have gone either way. :good Hopefully it leads to a series of strong domestic rivalries at feather and super feather. :good
I had it for Simpson, but have no argument with the decision (so many tight rounds). Great scalp for Smith at this stage of his career. He needs to work on his infighting a bit, but he's still near the start of his career so he has time to refine his skill-set.
I also had Simpson shading it...quite difficult to justify a four point card for Smith but don't object to him getting the nod.
I had it for Simpson too, but it was really close with lots of difficult rounds to score. The main thing for me, win or lose, is that a young lad has the confidence and is willing to take such fights - we've got too many that just hide behind their promoter or their 0 and take the path of least resistance. If he makes it to the top he'll know he's done it the hard (and proper) way with the likes of Simpson.
Absolutely quality performance from Smith, he was doing the much cleaner work and putting in the classier punches. Only time Simpson was having success was when they were fighting on the inside or if Smith standed and traded, when Smith boxed at long range he looked a few levels above Simpson.
Couldnt argue either way with the decision and agree with BB in applauding him for taking that sort of challenge so early in his career, he admitted he wasnt perfect in his interview aswell, he's a good lad. Hopefully Ricky wins now.
I had it ti simmy by 2 but a few rounds could have went either way but i think 116-112 is a bit generous but well done to smith
John Simpson loses another close points decision...how surprising...sucks....hope there is a rematch next.
I'm not sure why there's any doom and gloom..... It's not as if he's gone pretty close with a WBU level joke opponent! Both lads have a good future IMO.
I didn't fancy you tonight Swifty, and I scored the fight how I predicted it, Simpson by 2. But you showed a load of bolloxs by taking the fight and even more so by sticking at it when it got tough. I hope you kick on from here fella. All the best buddy :good
Absolutely made up for smith. It was similar to cloud-johnson for me in there, both fights i had the more experienced man winning by 1 round but they were both so tight that either way neither man can really complain. And as with cloud, Stephen will have learnt a huge deal from that so its all good for him. What a great night its been, well in ricky also!!!
Yep he deserved it for me. Showed a lot of grit and determination tonight. Bit of a messy fight but he dug it out, he looked classy at the beginning but lost his way on the inside a little. He seemed to acknowledge that in his interview and he'll know what he needs to improve.