I think this will be a cracking fight for both titles if it happens How many people would have thought thought there could be a British and commonwealth fight that does not involve Martin Lindsay as he was the only world ranked fighter
I was really pissed off last time, Simpson didn't perform that well but Smith's tactics really made for a scrappy fight. I had Simpson winning...frustrating night. I hope the Simpson that showed up tonight meets Smith. He'd win IMO. Hard to stop him on that form.
Smith probably deserves a little more credit for that performance now. I havn't seen this fight with Lindsay but there was no doubt Smith/Simpson was very close. So it was pretty much a fine display by the young man. It just seems he was universally considered one of our top prospects, and suddenly went from that to people being apathetic towards him despite the fact he performed well against a very seasoned fighter in his backyard. I guess people were expecting miracles from Smith and it disheartened them but it shouldn't do.
I'd love to see this. Super close fight last time out ( I had it 115-113 Simpson ) though I'd be intrigued to see how Smith copes if Simpson puts the same level of performance on as he did against Lindsay. Proper 50/50 fight.
^^^ I'd agree, to much mauling and cuffing. Simpson just seemed hungry to fight and i think he done enough by 2 rounds last time IMO. As TFFP said Smith did well, i predicted he'd get bludgeon to a stoppage but he did well to stay in there but down the stretch if i remember correctly he lost his way. But you knew when it went to scorecards he'd get the nod sadly.
I believe him, he's been out for a while and he was mauling and cuffing alot. I can't begrudge the lad his title but i'd like to see Simpson target European title or if he's lucky a world title. The guy is last of the true grinders.
I had it 115-113 to Smith but would not have complained if it were the other way. Lets do Smith vs Simpson 2 in Liverpool in March/April and the winner fights Lindsay before moving on to the European title. I think last night proved what a good prospect Stephen Smith is.
Yeah i'd not moan to much about Simpson fighting Smith to get revenge but tbh as much as i loved last night i don't wanna see Simpson if he wins hanging around domestic level. He's been through alot on emotional and physical levels and i think if he beats Smith then he should progress to European or get a dream world title shot if Frank can provide it. He deserves it and i would be happy to see him get at least that one night to mix in world class and attempt to capture a world title. If he beats Smith and then has another war with Lindsay it will knock even more time off a career that's not built for longevity.
Couldn't agree more, John has been in a few wars, he needs a good rest and then has to maximise what he can get out of the remainder of his career. He heaped a lot of pressure on himself saying his career would've been over if he lost in Belfast, now he has the Lonsdale for keeps it'd be sensible to aim for a European with the intent of a possible dream World shot should he be successful. He's given us enough domestic wars and has the belt to prove it. Sounds daft but I think he'll actually be re-invigorated after yet another war last night, his defence looked better and there was a solid confidence and maturity about the whole performance which suggested a step up is on the cards. :thumbsup
can i ask how john winning lastnight showed how good stephen smith is ?? stephen smith was just lucky that night that john wasnt in top form or he would have been destroyed, he was constantly holding on wouldnt let john box (which is what hes meant to be doing no ?) he showed no style and still looked quite unprofessional to me.. how ppl scored that fight to smith is beyond me he was a lucky boy.. anyway i think losing that fight was probs the best thing for simpson think it made him wake up abit and realise he had to change his game... i said earlier in another post he was in the best shape of his life and he wasnt leaving belfast without that title and he delivered... too many ppl underestimating him again. as far as smith vs simpson again why exactly ?? john proved hes in the best featherweight in britan... i highly rate lindsay hes an amazing fighter but simpson had that bit too much for him.. lindsay looked at one point he had nothing to offer simpson,, everything he threw simpson counterpunched nicely... if im honestly id like to see simpson make the belt vacant, hes been at british level too long now... hes proved how good he is many times and now hes kept the title.. i can see him letting this go vacent and moving to european level were he belongs.. would love to see smith and lindsay fight for the vacant british next year and see lindsay hammer smith... john might have not been right that night but lindsay wont make that mistake
Stephen Smith had only had 10 fights going into the Simpson fight. Simpson is a genuine european level fighter and Smith was competative. I scored it 115-113 to Smith, the most anyone could have it either way is 115-113. It was also not a good night to Smith. He broke his hand in the 4th round, and at the point he was 4 rounds up on any sain persons scorecard. Simpson is not mandatory for the European title yet. He will be later on in the year. There is no point having him on the shelf so he should rematch Smith for both titles with the winner moving on.
yes ,but it also proved what a good fighter Simpson is aswell ,not fair trying to take that away from simpson. just seen your above reply ,fair enouhg 1