With his impressive KO win over former champ Eleider Alvarez, Joe Smith Jr. earned a shot at the vacant WBO light heavyweight title formerly held by Canelo Alvarez. He will face the winner of a WBO eliminator between #1 rated Umar Salamov and #2 Maxim Vlasov.
“Coming into this camp, I knew I had to work on my boxing,” said Smith. “I wanted to be sharp, throw a lot of straight punches. I watched his fight with Kovalev, and Kovalev kind of set the way to beat him. So we watched that and worked off of it. I knew coming in today I had to box a little more because he’s got that great right hand. He caught me with it a couple times, but I can take a punch, too.
“Every time he hit me, I wanted to come and stop him in his tracks, and I did that. I stuck to my game plan, and it was a great fight.
“I feel this one is a big one. I really needed it. I wanted to prove I’m not just a knockout guy. I proved my boxing ability, too, and I showed that tonight.”
Alvarez and Hopkins now have something in common; they both share a KO done by Smith.
Very profound stuff Scooby….
Hahahaha true Rohan
Yup, facts may be boring, but true.
Well according to Hopkins, he was “pushed.” Maybe one of the most ridiculous excuses I’ve heard from any fighter.
They also both got knocked through the ropes.
James, you are correct…..
It’s funny how Smith doesn’t want to be known as ‘just a knockout guy’. Who doesn’t love a power puncher that knocks out a bunch of opposition?
This is a really great win for Joe. Knockout of a durable world champion. Now in line for a legit title shot. Hard not to root for the guy.
Smith his props look at the men he has defeated fonfara Hopkins Hart and now Alvarez.