Nobody punches harder in boxing than Joe Smith. He is boxing's most ferocious hitter. It's not Wilder because Wilder's power comes from leverage. Just like other tall, long big hitters like Pavlik and Hearns, once you get inside his power he doesn't have anywhere near the same power because he doesn't have the raw strength. Beterbiev has the heaviest handed power in boxing. But does not have the same snapping power as Smith Jr. Inoue has explosive snapping power, but does not have the heavy handed power of Smith Jr. He couldn't even put away an old Donaire. If he had heavier hands instead of explosive power his shots would have worn him down for the stoppage, but they didn't. Smith has absolutely no skills. Zero. He's basically an improved version of David Lemiuex. The tragedy of Smith's career is his he never learned how to box and capitalize on his gift of power. But he's still one of the top LHW's in the world. He's still one of my favorites to watch and a good guy.
Plenty say it bud. Refined earlier and his ceiling would defo be higher. Nice to see a good man do well as you say
That is a very interesting distinction you made regarding Joe Smith's power compared to other big punchers. This is why Joe Smith is always dangerous for his opponents, he can deliver a one-punch KO at absolutely any range. Inoue, I pretty much agree with your assessment about his power. Donaire is actually an even better example of a fighter who has that explosive snapping power without being particularly heavy-handed.
Lemiuex is a better boxer, and yeah, that's not saying much. All the power doesn't matter if you can't land a big punch. That said, I like Joe Smith. Not much to dislike.
Smith is certainly one of the sports heaviest punchers for sure but to say he has absolutely no skills in short sighted at best. While his power is his forte the rugged Irishman trained by Gerry Capobianco gets incrementally better EVERY time out. He just out boxed and out punched Jesse Hart and went 12 rounds rocking one of boxing top guys in Dmitry Bivol. As far as a good guy TOP SHELF for Sure, his whole team is!
Beterbiev hits harder. Genetics + good technique and skill make all of the difference. Look at how little leverage Beterbiev has needed to get into his shots that resulted in KOs. He scrambled Johnson's brain with a right hand with his back to the ropes with Johnson right in his face.
How does this part hold any relevance. His positioning wasn't compromised and he threw the right hand with perfect technique. IMO it was a shot that Callum didn't even see coming. So Callum being in his face actually played into Beterbievs hands. But in terms of raw power and technique, Beterbiev has the edge over Smith. But Smith lacks the finess, yet he clearly hits very, very hard. He could throw arm punches and they would hurt.
Yes, Beterbiev doesn't need much leverage to generate power. Because his hands are so heavy. He can generate power with a 6 inch hook. i still think Smith is a harder puncher. His punches are more explosive than Beterbiev's.
Go watch it again. It was perfect. Beterbiev has the fundamentals down to a T and it showed. Even under heavy pressure he managed to compose himself and deliver the perfect punch.