Why pick young and full of energy hard-hitting guy for last fight? Who not pick Alexander Brand or Cornelius White, for example? B-Hop was doing great for 50+ y.o. man, but he's far too old for all serious contenders let alone champions.
He's not really what I'd call full of energy, he was pretty tired in there at times with a 52 year old guy.
Great opponent gave Smith a chance to shine and carry the torch and he did. Smith now will move on to bigger and better things and the 175 pound division is better for it.
I thought it was a great pick actually. A very basic powerpuncher coming of a huge upset win, was exactly what looked like a perfect B-Hop opponent to spoil out an ugly point decision against. It all went horribly wrong, but that's more because of father time as it was on the wrong pick of opponent in my opinion.
He should've stayed retired. His legs looked frail and soft. It's amazing how much muscle tone he lost in two years.
This. His experience and skill kept him alive in there, but his punches have nothing behind them anymore. It was only a matter of time.
