Joseph Smith, Jr. vs. Steven Geffrard & Abraham Nova vs. William Encarnación Alcántara RBR.

Geffrard has no answer for the looping right...even when Smith quadruples up on it, telegraphing each one. Just too powerful to block, which seems to be his go-to solution whereas lateral movement or slipping would seem more called for. Credit to his chin and mental fortitude though. Clipped with a few of those in a row and he doesn't get rattled.

 

Geffrard just doesn’t move enough. Solid skills but he’s just there to be hit which isn’t gonna work out against this opponent in this venue.

 

Smith needs to just work he lacks subtlety so Geffrard knows better than to drop his guard Smith is letting him feel his power which may work against him....I smell upset

 

3-0 for Joe. He seems a bit unsure of which tactic to take, to box or to bang. But he's been more accurate and has shook his opponent a few times.

 

Round 1 - 10-9 Smith
Round 2 - 10-9 Smith
Round 3 - 10-9 Smith

Smith 30-27

Geffrard finally shows some aggression but it was not enough to win the round.

 

Now I see why Beterbiev and Kov used him as a sparring partner, looks to have solid chin and high guard. Joe is breaking him down with power rights though.

 

smith thought he would blow him out. Steve is still there......

 

30-27 guy who actually has demonstrated he belongs in a world title bout

 

Horrible game plan, granted it was 8 days notice but losing all these early rounds only makes it tougher later. Geffrard plan on KOing Smith cause he is losing all the early rnds

 

3-0

I gotta tell you, Jim, When Smith Jr. Is the aggressor Geffrad offers nothing. He can't win a fight without punching. Jim!

 

Thats another round for Geffrard in my books. He's forced a brawler to box 2 rounds in a row. His jab opened up a couple of left crosses, plus he controlled the middle of the ring for majority of the past 2 rounds.

 

Smith looks super confident and like he is using this fight to try out some changes