Paul Smith (boxer)

Paul James Smith Jr. (born 6 October 1982) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2003 to 2017. He held the English middleweight title in 2008, the British super-middleweight title twice between 2009 and 2014, and challenged three times for a super-middleweight world title. As an amateur, he won a silver medal in the light middleweight division at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Paul James Smith Jr.
Smith in 2011
Statistics
Real name	Paul James Smith Jr.
Nickname(s)	Real Gone Kid
Weight(s)	Middleweight Super-middleweight
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Reach	72 in (183 cm)
Nationality	British
Born	6 October 1982 Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	45
Wins	38
Wins by KO	22
Losses	7
Medal record Representing  England Men's amateur boxing Commonwealth Games 2002 Manchester Light-middleweight

Paul Smith
Genres	Grime
Occupation(s)	MC, songwriter
Years active	2004–present
Associated acts	Mike Di Scala

Amateur career

Smith started boxing at age nine with the Rotunda amateur boxing club and fought in South Africa, Uzbekistan, and Denmark representing England. He comes from a family of boxers and he and his brothers (Stephen, Liam, and Callum) became the first group of siblings to all win ABA titles.[1][2][3][4][5] Paul won silver medals for his country in the 2001 Copenhagen Cup[6] and 2002 Commonwealth Games, losing to Jean Pascal by two points;[7] Smith was then picked up by Frank Warren and turned professional.

Professional career

Early career

Smith's career has featured many bouts held mainly in the UK, Germany and the USA. He has faced Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham for the WBO Super-Middleweight title twice. The first was a controversial decision.

On 10 March 2007, he KO'd the Belgian, Alexander Polizzi in Liverpool, winning the WBU international middleweight title in the eighth round.

On 20 March 2007, Smith took part in boxing's answer to Golf's Ryder Cup fighting American Jonathan Reid; the Nashville, Tennessee resident lost to Smith on a technical knockout.

The Contender

On 4 September 2007, Smith joined nine other boxing hopefuls as members of season three of The Contender. Smith fought rival David Banks from Portland, Oregon, and ended with a win for Smith by split-decision. However, since Smith had the lowest point total out of the remaining boxers, he was disqualified. The victory over David Banks was fought in Pasadena, California and was broadcast on ESPN and ITV; Ray Leonard said Smith let his anger take away from his ability. Smith was left with two cuts, one on his nose and another around his eye; this meant he was medically unfit to continue the contest regardless of performance.

Smith returned to England and defeated Cello Renda to win the vacant English middleweight title. He lost the title in his very next fight against Steven Bendall on 21 June 2008 in Birmingham, England, on a much contested points decision.[8]

British super-middleweight champion

On 30 October 2009, Smith challenged Tony Quigley for the British super-middleweight title in Liverpool's Echo Arena. Quigley was the holder of the British title after defeating Tony Dodson only months earlier at the same venue. The fight was a tight affair with Smith eventually winning via split decision over 12 rounds thus crowning him the new British super-middleweight title holder.

Smith's first defense of his title came in his thirtieth professional contest at the Echo Arena, Liverpool on 12 March 2010, against Tony Dodson. Smith won again, this time via a unanimous 12-round decision.

Smith boxed Beijing 2008 gold medalist, James DeGale at the Echo Arena, Liverpool on 11 December 2012. The fight was stopped in the ninth round as DeGale landed back-to-back left hooks on Smith, causing the latter to lose his British super-middleweight title.

Smith vs. Groves

Smith (left) vs. Groves, 2011

After winning his next two fights, Smith once again challenged for the British title and the Commonwealth title against George Groves. The bout took place in Groves' native London at the Wembley Arena on 5 November 2011. Smith won the opening round on all three judges cards and landed a hard shot on Groves towards the end of the round. One minute into the second round, however, a lead overhand right from Groves to Smith's jaw floored him. Smith was able to beat the count only to be dropped again, forcing the referee to halt the contest.

Smith vs. Abraham

On 27 September 2014, Smith fought WBO Super-Middleweight title holder Arthur Abraham in Kiel, Germany. Despite arguably outworking Abraham for the full 12 rounds, the judges ruled in the Armenian's favour by scores of 119–109, 117–111 and 117–110. Many ringside observers saw the fight as being far closer than the judges ruled it and Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn labelled the judges scores a "disgrace."[9]

The two met in a rematch on February 21, 2015 at the O2 World Arena in Berlin. This also went the full 12 rounds as Abraham won via points on all three scorecards (116-112, 117-111 twice).[10]

Smith vs. Ward

After his loss to Abraham, Smith faced top pound for pound boxer, Andre Ward. This was Ward's first fight in 19 months, following a promotional dispute which sidelined him and caused him to lose his titles. The fight was scheduled for June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in California at a 172 lbs catchweight fight. The fight was to take place on BET.[11] Ward won via TKO in the 9th round. Ward was winning every round at the time of stoppage (80-72, 3 times).[12][13][14] Smith missed weight, coming in at 176.4 lbs and was fined 20% ($45,000) of his $225,000 purse by the California State Athletic Commission, half of which went to Ward and half to the commission.[15] Despite being available in over 90 million homes, the fight averaged 323,000 viewers on BET.[16]

Smith vs Kubin

In his comeback fight, Smith faced Bronislav Kubin. Smith dropped Kubin twice in the second round, and managed to finish his opponent in the third round, to get his comeback win.[17]

Smith vs Grafka

Smith won the second fight of his comeback too, this time a 59 to 55 points victory over six rounds, against Bartlomiej Grafka.[18]

Smith vs Regi

On 10 September, 2016 Smith fought Daniel Regi on the Golovkin vs Brook undercard. Smith dropped his opponent several times, en route to a fifth round TKO win.[19]

Smith vs. Zeuge

Smith's third and final world title challenge came against WBA (Regular) super middleweight champion Tyron Zeuge on June 2017 at Rittal Arena Wetzlar. The younger Zeuge proved to be too much for Smith, as he won a wide unanimous decision (119-108, 119-108, 119-108). Zeuge outworked Smith with his jab and was able to score a knockdown in round 12.[20]

Music career

As well as being a boxer, Smith is a resident DJ at the 'Society' nightclub in Liverpool.[21] He co-wrote the Ultrabeat song "Better Than Life", with Mike Di Scala and has remixed the song "Falling Stars (Waiting For A Star To Fall)" by Sunset Strippers, also with Di Scala.[22]

Personal life

Paul Smith comes from a family of professional boxers, which includes Stephen Smith, Liam Smith, and Callum Smith.[23]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary

45 fights	38 wins	7 losses
By knockout	22	3
By decision	16	4

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
45	Loss	38–7	Tyron Zeuge	UD	12	17 Jun 2017	Rittal Arena, Wetzlar, Germany	For WBA (Regular) and GBU super-middleweight titles
44	Win	38–6	Daniel Regi	TKO	5 (6), 2:16	10 Sep 2016	The O2 Arena, London, England
43	Win	37–6	Bartlomiej Grafka	PTS	6	29 May 2016	Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
42	Win	36–6	Bronislav Kubin	TKO	3 (6), 0:25	7 May 2016	Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
41	Loss	35–6	Andre Ward	TKO	9 (12), 1:46	20 Jun 2015	Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, US
40	Loss	35–5	Arthur Abraham	UD	12	21 Feb 2015	O2 World Arena, Berlin, Germany	For WBO super-middleweight title
39	Loss	35–4	Arthur Abraham	UD	12	27 Sep 2014	Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany	For WBO super-middleweight title
38	Win	35–3	David Sarabia	TKO	2 (8), 1:17	17 May 2014	Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales
37	Win	34–3	Jamie Ambler	PTS	6	14 Dec 2013	ExCeL, London, England
36	Win	33–3	Tony Dodson	TKO	6 (12), 2:31	29 Jun 2013	Bolton Arena, Bolton, England	Won vacant British super-middleweight title
35	Win	32–3	Tommy Tolan	RTD	4 (6), 3:00	9 Nov 2012	Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
34	Loss	31–3	George Groves	TKO	2 (12), 1:18	5 Nov 2011	Wembley Arena, London, England	For British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles
33	Win	31–2	Paul Samuels	TKO	1 (8), 2:22	17 Sep 2011	Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
32	Win	30–2	Jozsef Matolcsi	KO	1 (8), 0:58	21 May 2011	The O2 Arena, London, England
31	Loss	29–2	James DeGale	TKO	9 (12), 2:08	11 Dec 2010	Echo Arena, Liverpool, England	Lost British super-middleweight title
30	Win	29–1	Tony Dodson	UD	12	12 Mar 2010	Echo Arena, Liverpool, England	Retained British super-middleweight title
29	Win	28–1	Tony Quigley	SD	12	30 Oct 2009	Echo Arena, Liverpool, England	Won British super-middleweight title
28	Win	27–1	Michal Bilak	PTS	8	18 Jul 2009	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
27	Win	26–1	Rashid Matumla	TKO	2 (12), 2:35	14 Mar 2009	MEN Arena, Manchester, England	Won vacant WBA International super-middleweight title
26	Win	25–1	Ciaran Healy	PTS	6	12 Dec 2008	Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
25	Win	24–1	Danny Thornton	KO	6 (8), 2:50	6 Sep 2008	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
24	Loss	23–1	Steven Bendall	PTS	10	21 Jun 2008	National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England	Lost English middleweight title
23	Win	23–0	Cello Renda	TKO	6 (10), 1:55	8 Mar 2008	The O2 Arena, London, England	Won vacant English middleweight title
22	Win	22–0	Francis Cheka	PTS	8	8 Dec 2007	Bolton Arena, Bolton, England
21	Win	21–0	David Banks	SD	5	9 Oct 2007	The Contender Arena, Los Angeles, California, US	Part of The Contender series 3
20	Win	20–0	Jonathan Reid	TKO	7 (8), 1:21	30 Mar 2007	Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England	Part of The Contender Challenge: UK vs. USA
19	Win	19–0	Alexander Polizzi	TKO	8 (12)	10 Mar 2007	Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
18	Win	18–0	Ryan Walls	TKO	4 (8), 2:48	18 Nov 2006	Newport Centre, Newport, Wales
17	Win	17–0	Dean Walker	TKO	3 (10), 2:49	14 Oct 2006	MEN Arena, Manchester, England	Won vacant British Central Area middleweight title
16	Win	16–0	Conroy McIntosh	PTS	8	1 Jun 2006	Metrodome, Barnsley, England
15	Win	15–0	Hussain Osman	TKO	4 (6), 2:00	11 Mar 2006	Newport Centre, Newport, Wales
14	Win	14–0	Simeon Cover	PTS	6	3 Jun 2005	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
13	Win	13–0	Rob Burton	KO	1 (6), 1:54	11 Feb 2005	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
12	Win	12–0	Howard Clarke	KO	1 (6), 2:11	17 Dec 2004	Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
11	Win	11–0	Jason Collins	TKO	1 (6), 1:42	1 Oct 2004	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
10	Win	10–0	Ojay Abrahams	PTS	4	10 Sep 2004	Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
9	Win	9–0	Steve Timms	TKO	1 (6), 2:57	12 Jun 2004	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
8	Win	8–0	Howard Clarke	PTS	4	3 Apr 2004	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
7	Win	7–0	Davy Jones	PTS	4	26 Feb 2004	Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
6	Win	6–0	Joel Ani	PTS	4	13 Dec 2003	MEN Arena, Manchester, England
5	Win	5–0	Mike Duffield	TKO	1 (4), 2:41	10 Feb 2003	Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
4	Win	4–0	Patrick Cito	PTS	4	29 Aug 2003	Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
3	Win	3–0	Silver Fox	TKO	2 (4), 2:40	20 Jun 2003	Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
2	Win	2–0	Andrey Ivanov	TKO	2 (4), 1:00	8 May 2003	Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
1	Win	1–0	Howard Clarke	PTS	4	5 Apr 2003	MEN Arena, Manchester, England

References

1. "ABA Light Middleweight Champions – BoxRec".
2. "ABA Light Welterweight Champions – BoxRec".
3. "Great Britain Champs 2010".
4. "Great Britain Champs 2011".
5. "ABA Featherweight Champions – BoxRec".
6. http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/CopenhagenCup2001.pdf
7. "17.Commonwealth Games – Manchester, England – July 27 – August 4 2002".
8. "Smith stunned by Bendall defeat". Icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk. 23 June 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
9. "Paul Smith robbed in fight against Arthur Abraham in Germany as Eddie Hearn calls judges' verdicts 'a disgrace'".
10. "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Paul Smith". boxrec.com. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
11. "Press Release: BET To Air Andre Ward vs Paul Smith, Plus 9 "Throne boxing" events with Roc Nation | BoxingInsider.com". BoxingInsider.com. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
12. Christ, Scott (21 June 2015). "Ward returns with easy win over Smith". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
13. "Andre Ward beats Paul Smith in comeback fight in Oakland". BBC Sport. 21 June 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
14. "Ward TKO's Smith in return from 19-month break". ESPN.com. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
15. "Paul Smith blows weight for second time for Ward fight". ESPN.com. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
16. "Ward vs. Smith nets low ratings of 323k in viewership". Inside the Ropes Boxing - Your #1 source for boxing news. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
17. "Paul Smith Makes a Successful Return With TKO Win". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
18. "Bellew vs. Makabu LIVE Results From Goodison Park". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
19. "Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook LIVE Results From London". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
20. http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10918866/zeuge-vs-smith-paul-smith-falls-short-against-tyron-zeuge-in-world-title-bid
21. "Club Society website". Societyuk.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2007. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
22. "Paul Smith Jnr". Discogs.com. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
23. "Biography at boxrec.com". boxrec.com. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2013.

External links

• Boxing record for Paul Smith from BoxRec
• Paul Smith - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings at Box.Live