Paul & Callum Smith hold the British & English titles respectively , however neither has been contested for some time.. Paul's British hasn't been contested since he won it in June 13. And Callum's English hasn't been contested since Sept 13. However both have obviously fought since, Paul 3 times including AA & a scheduled 4th, and obviously way above British level. Callum has fought a massive 7 times, all international. So why are they still keeping the titles. For me, they are never going to defend either, they are champions yes.. But they are preventing other,worthy fighters of having the honour of being champions in there own right.. Thoughts?
Yes as both seem to be more activley chasing world honours and its preventing further talent contesting the belts
It happens more and more in boxing. Win a title and then don't defend it but hold it hostage 'til the cows come home. As long as they have a big enough name they won't be stripped anyway.
It just seems one rule for one and one rule for another, they should have set guidelines in place. For example you have to defend the title at least one every 6/8/10 months if you don't then vacate. Look at what happened to Jamie M with his belt and then we look at how long our home belts are just sitting not being defended. It's a joke.
The worst of all is Andre Ward how the fcuk is he still classed as a world champ guy has no intention of fighting in the slightest tbh
Correct me if i am wrong but is Liam Cameron vs Tobias Webb not a British title eilminator ? That not mean that Paul Smith would have to vacate the title or fight him anyway ?
Its not a final eliminator so the winner isnt guaranteed a shot at british title. Troy james has won 2 eliminators and now in a final eliminator against someone who has boxed once in 12 months ordered by the board.
Cheers mate was not to sure, i think P Smith will vacate the title can't see him keeping it especially now he has a rematch with AA.
Providing that's a Final eliminator (I've no idea if it is), then Paul would likely be stripped within about 4 months should he not defend against the winner, should the winner actually press for the fight. As for Callum Smith: CALLUM SMITH (Holder) v LEE MARKHAM The Stewards decided to put out the above contest for purse bids to be submitted in accordance with the Terms and Conditions attached to the Boards Head Office by 12.00noon on Wednesday, 14th January 2015, the contest to take place by the end of April 2015. So Callum will likely vacate or be stripped in the near future. I do agree though that it's an extraordinary amount of time for Paul Smith to hang onto the British title without a defence expected of him. I'm assuming at some point Rocky Fielding must have been pushed into that mandatory position or at least an eliminator only to be removed by Hearn. It's the only scenario that could even help to slightly justify it.
Rocky Fielding vs Either C Smith or P Smith for the british would be a good fight to see, Paul always said the plan was to vacate for Callum so more chance it being Callum vs Rocky.
Can you see callum taking on fielding though? Given that they are both matchroom & both have good international rankings with separate bodies. Worth noting that callum fought a WBC eliminator not long since and has openly stated an intent to fight groves in 2015... Whereas as a risky fight with fielding, would jeopardise that if it went wrong..
Plus rocky is out with a long term injury,so the likelihood of him coming back & jumping straight into a high profile fight for the British is slim. Given hearns tactics I'd imagine he'll have a few time ups before he's properly back in the mix, I'd say late summer before he's in a fight of great note..
I saw somewhere that Mayweather still holds a light middleweight belt too? Not sure if that's true but he hasn't fought and that weight for a very long time, Andre Ward is not defending his title so he should be stripped but you see more and more champs just win a title so that they have another belt on their record without the intention of defending that belt or even fighting at that weight again.
Rocky was made mandatory but failing to make the weight at his commonwealth defence he was stripped of the position. Paul had numerous defences turned down by the board.
