Report/Photos Boxing Bob Newman at ringside
WBO light heavyweight world champion Joe Smith Jr (28-3, 22 KOs) scored a ninth round KO over late sub Steve Geffrard (18-3, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Smith had trouble getting through Geffrard’s high guard early on, but he was also far busier. Smith started connecting with his right hand in round three and began teeing off the defensive-minded Geffrard in round four. Smith had Geffrard hurt in round five. Geffrard seemingly went into survival mode after that. Smith battered Geffrard to the canvas in round nine to end it. Time was :37.
“He really brought it today,” said Smith afterward. “It was a great fight. As you can see, he’s a great boxer, a good survivor. I was trying to get him out of there early, but I realized he was very tough and I wasn’t going to be able to do that. I tried to wait until the later rounds and started throwing more combinations to pick him apart.”
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I’m happy Geffrard got a nice payday, but really, he had no business in there with Smith. He never looked like he was too interested in fighting him.
Great comment. I agree.
I think they got what they wanted out of Geffrard. He didn’t embarrass himself and went some rounds, but he was out of his league and didn’t have enough power, punching or physically, to do anything besides annoy Smith.
Not impressed by Smith, his ugly beard, and his ugly tattoos. So sick of the ugly beard look and the horrific tattoos that have become so popular today. Sign of these dumbed down times I suppose.
Back on point, it took Smith nine rounds to stop a guy who took this fight on very short notice, and was obviously unprepared. Now he’s calling out Beterbiev of course, chasing that big pay day. I’ll take Beterbiev.
You are right on the money (with both comments)!
All this chump had to do was go 12 rounds so we could hit a nice payday at the sportsbook and he quit in the 9th. What a loser. Smith ain’t got ish and will get embarrassed by betirov
Smith is the most beatable of the three LH champs. He’s a good fighter, but he got schooled by Bivol and Sullivan Barrera. He could lose at anytime. I don’t see him beating Beterbiev, but it should be an entertaining fight and Beterbiev turns 37 this month.
Canelo will beat Smith he’s a good fighter but Canelo would be too much, Canelo should fight Beterbiev before he turns 40
Dude was looking for a soft spot on the mat to lay down…
Smith looked pretty mediocre in beating a 3rd tier fighter. I mean, his opponent went down from a series of arm punches.
Good win for Joe. It doesn’t get any more blue-collar than this. I’ve heard from 2 guys that went to highschool with him about his dedication and discipline and I was impressed of the stories are true. Apparently he has been all in since childhood.
Smith does have some real power and a good chin. I believe he did rock Bivol in one of the later rounds although outpointed in most rounds. If in tip top shape I don’t think he’s an easy night for any of the top guys. If Canelo wants a quality opponent to stay sharp Smith would be an interesting choice.