Agree with nearly all of the above. The way he was talking in ringside was a joke saying he can't wait to face Abraham cos he know he'd beat him. He's not even the best super middle in his family let alone a worthy world title challenger. Hopefully they ignore him and Eddie makes the fielding fight, rocky will win and then we will only have to listen to his **** in between fights on sky and we can mute him.
I did a thread similar 3 years ago wondering how Smith would have got on at domestic level in 1997. SMW seems to be on a weaker era in my opinion at present and I guess that could create opportunities, but I would like to see Paul fight some frindge world class fighters and step into it, as the jump may be a bit sudden. The old thread below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.boxingforum24.com/showthread.php?t=211504 1997 Super Middleweight division and Paul Smith In 1997 the British Super Middleweight division was bursting with talent we had Calzaghe and Reid as undefeated world champs, & Woodhall soon to be a champ after Reid, but our domestic front was good also with H Warton, D Starie, D Francis, C Woods and M Baker all somewhere around the British title level. The question is removing Calzaghe, Reid & Woodhall how do you think P Smith would have faired in this era at domestic level? I think he would have lost to all, except to maybe Woods due to him being tight at the weight before his career really took off at LHW, and maybe to M Baker, but I wouldnt bet on it with either What you think? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I left Catley out cause he only stepped up to SMW when challenging Woodhall for his WBC belt but he could also be added as a very underated SMW back then. Looking back on this thread, I dont think Smith would have beaten Woods. The division does not seem as deep as it did then, but DeGale and Groves beat Smith convincingly and I think Froch would also. Maybe Paul could face B Magee who is getting older now and would be a good testing fight?
Abraham and Stieglitz have defended against worse opposition. They've got good TV deals so can choose the lowest ranked WBO opponents and earn loads. For a voluntary they'll choose one of the worst on the list, so Smith would be adequate in that regard. Why would they choose someone who might beat them like Degale when they can earn the more money against a Smith?
Do you agree that the division does not seem as deep then as it did at that time? Back then, to me it seemed we were getting top SMW after top SMW emerge
Think having Froch, Groves and Degale at the same time is pretty decent for nowadays. Can't see Smith beating any of those 1997 lot you mentioned. Clinton Woods would fcking crucify him.
I agree Froch, DeGale and Groves isnt bad at all and B Magee although possibly at the end of his career is still about. I like Froch alot, but am not sure how he would have got on back then and would be interested to have seen how he would have done with prime D Francis, H Wharton, C Woods and D Starie