Round-By-Round - Callum Smith vs. Eric Skoglund - September 16th 2017

[davie]

He could box for the world title next fight but has chosen to give it a swerve.

I respect him for taking the tournament over the vacant title, I don't think Dirrell was any great shakes and taking the vacant title then soft defence route vs taking this tournament that provides 3 stiff tests?

You don't think Dirrell is any great shakes yet Smith has ducked him.
You're respecting Smith for taking 3 stiff tests when he's not had one yet.

Has he really ducked him though??

[Horse]

Has he really ducked him though??

In the tournament; only Groves is better than Dirrell on paper and he might get eliminated before the final.

So, Smith may well have taken the easier route and that could well be considered a duck.

[crusader]

The guy who beats Groves has a win that tops anything Dirrell has done....Dirrell has a draw and win over Bika, then what?

[Horse]

The guy who beats Groves has a win that tops anything Dirrell has done

Even if they only win because Groves breaks his ankle?

[crusader]

Assuming a win that isn't due to freak injuries of course...But, then again, Dirrell could always injure himself in the same way against Smith, and then where is the credibility?

The Eubank/AA winner will probably be at least as credible Dirrell too. What exactly has AD done?

[KiwiRider]

I dont consider this a duck. The tournament is highly lucrative, includes a world title, features arguably 4 top 10 fighters, and should keep the successful fighters busy.

IMO, there are plenty of reasons for Smith to enter which have nothing to due with fearing a loss to Dirrell.

Plus the Dirrell fight was signed and sealed. That's not a duck. It was Dirrell who was messing about

[wesshaw1985]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGpbxwmkmQg

[BigDoofus]

I respect him for taking the tournament over the vacant title, I don't think Dirrell was any great shakes and taking the vacant title then soft defence route vs taking this tournament that provides 3 stiff tests?

You don't think Dirrell is any great shakes yet Smith has ducked him.
You're respecting Smith for taking 3 stiff tests when he's not had one yet.

Has he really ducked him though??

Yes. He's pulled out of the fight.

[BigDoofus]

I dont consider this a duck. The tournament is highly lucrative, includes a world title, features arguably 4 top 10 fighters, and should keep the successful fighters busy.

IMO, there are plenty of reasons for Smith to enter which have nothing to due with fearing a loss to Dirrell.

Plus the Dirrell fight was signed and sealed. That's not a duck. It was Dirrell who was messing about

So Smith pulled out of a world title fight.

[KiwiRider]

Dirrell wanted the fight to be in his home town of Flint instead of LA.
Given that the money has to be put up prior to signing the contract - Flint is a pretty big change if you want to make an earn on your investment compared to a big card in LA.
If he insisted to get his way, even after agreeing and signing a legal and binding contract, with tons of other people's money at stake - the investors would have probably got cold feet and pulled the rug out from this event.
Dirrell knew it was not viable to have the fight in Flint ( no offence to Flint, I'm sure it's lovely) as there is not the same revenue streams as in LA. So why did he do it?
Thankfully Callum sniffed a dick-around and went into the series as a guaranteed chance at a belt. Good on him, he has waited long enough and this is a gutsy and admirable move

All the best to him.

[BigDoofus]

Dirrell wanted the fight to be in his home town of Flint instead of LA.
Given that the money has to be put up prior to signing the contract - Flint is a pretty big change if you want to make an earn on your investment compared to a big card in LA.
If he insisted to get his way, even after agreeing and signing a legal and binding contract, with tons of other people's money at stake - the investors would have probably got cold feet and pulled the rug out from this event.
Dirrell knew it was not viable to have the fight in Flint ( no offence to Flint, I'm sure it's lovely) as there is not the same revenue streams as in LA. So why did he do it?
Thankfully Callum sniffed a dick-around and went into the series as a guaranteed chance at a belt. Good on him, he has waited long enough and this is a gutsy and admirable move

All the best to him.

Dirrell's team won the purse bid. Smith would have got his %age of the purse agreed. The fact that the fight may be in Dirrell's hometown is a feeble excuse to pull out.
If Dirrell's team were holding the fight up their man would eventually be stripped of the title.
He is now having an easier fight and being praised for being so gutsy.
If the next opponent looks difficult or he doesn't fancy the venue, then what?

[3132DW]

Dirrell wanted the fight to be in his home town of Flint instead of LA.
Given that the money has to be put up prior to signing the contract - Flint is a pretty big change if you want to make an earn on your investment compared to a big card in LA.
If he insisted to get his way, even after agreeing and signing a legal and binding contract, with tons of other people's money at stake - the investors would have probably got cold feet and pulled the rug out from this event.
Dirrell knew it was not viable to have the fight in Flint ( no offence to Flint, I'm sure it's lovely) as there is not the same revenue streams as in LA. So why did he do it?
Thankfully Callum sniffed a dick-around and went into the series as a guaranteed chance at a belt. Good on him, he has waited long enough and this is a gutsy and admirable move

All the best to him.

Dirrell's team won the purse bid. Smith would have got his %age of the purse agreed. The fact that the fight may be in Dirrell's hometown is a feeble excuse to pull out.
If Dirrell's team were holding the fight up their man would eventually be stripped of the title.
He is now having an easier fight and being praised for being so gutsy.
If the next opponent looks difficult or he doesn't fancy the venue, then what?

I think the issue was Dirrells side thought Hearn would bid more originally then were left with 1.6m purse that they realistically had no chance of covering the costs with as Dirrell doesn't have that sort of profile.

Dirrell messed around with dates for weeks - I don't blame Smith in this instance as he's waited 12 months and then Dirrells side we're stalling again.

[KiwiRider]

Dirrell's team won the purse bid. Smith would have got his %age of the purse agreed. The fact that the fight may be in Dirrell's hometown is a feeble excuse to pull out.
If Dirrell's team were holding the fight up their man would eventually be stripped of the title.
He is now having an easier fight and being praised for being so gutsy.
If the next opponent looks difficult or he doesn't fancy the venue, then what?

The first part of your post has been answered in the post above.
As for a gutsy move, work it out
One fight, one opponent, one belt.
Or a tournament, multiple opponents, luck of the draw, more than one fight for two belts or nothing. That's a gutsy move.

[BigDoofus]

Dirrell's team won the purse bid. Smith would have got his %age of the purse agreed. The fact that the fight may be in Dirrell's hometown is a feeble excuse to pull out.
If Dirrell's team were holding the fight up their man would eventually be stripped of the title.
He is now having an easier fight and being praised for being so gutsy.
If the next opponent looks difficult or he doesn't fancy the venue, then what?

The first part of your post has been answered in the post above.
As for a gutsy move, work it out
One fight, one opponent, one belt.
Or a tournament, multiple opponents, luck of the draw, more than one fight for two belts or nothing. That's a gutsy move.

It won't be if there is further pull-outs.

[BigDoofus]

I think the issue was Dirrells side thought Hearn would bid more originally then were left with 1.6m purse that they realistically had no chance of covering the costs with as Dirrell doesn't have that sort of profile.

Dirrell messed around with dates for weeks - I don't blame Smith in this instance as he's waited 12 months and then Dirrells side we're stalling again.

Dirrell's team wanted to move the fight FORWARD one day to Sept 8th.
The issue was Smith didn't want to fight in Flint.
Imagine the abuse that Dirrell would be getting for pulling out because he refused to box in Liverpool.

[Oiky]

I think the issue was Dirrells side thought Hearn would bid more originally then were left with 1.6m purse that they realistically had no chance of covering the costs with as Dirrell doesn't have that sort of profile.

Dirrell messed around with dates for weeks - I don't blame Smith in this instance as he's waited 12 months and then Dirrells side we're stalling again.

Dirrell's team wanted to move the fight FORWARD one day to Sept 8th.
The issue was Smith didn't want to fight in Flint.
Imagine the abuse that Dirrell would be getting for pulling out because he refused to box in Liverpool.

Yea, that's silly from smith to be fair

[davie]

I think the issue was Dirrells side thought Hearn would bid more originally then were left with 1.6m purse that they realistically had no chance of covering the costs with as Dirrell doesn't have that sort of profile.

Dirrell messed around with dates for weeks - I don't blame Smith in this instance as he's waited 12 months and then Dirrells side we're stalling again.

Dirrell's team wanted to move the fight FORWARD one day to Sept 8th.
The issue was Smith didn't want to fight in Flint.
Imagine the abuse that Dirrell would be getting for pulling out because he refused to box in Liverpool.

What if the fight had been agreed for a big venue in London and Smith moved the goal posts after the contract was agreed?

[BigDoofus]

I think the issue was Dirrells side thought Hearn would bid more originally then were left with 1.6m purse that they realistically had no chance of covering the costs with as Dirrell doesn't have that sort of profile.

Dirrell messed around with dates for weeks - I don't blame Smith in this instance as he's waited 12 months and then Dirrells side we're stalling again.

Dirrell's team wanted to move the fight FORWARD one day to Sept 8th.
The issue was Smith didn't want to fight in Flint.
Imagine the abuse that Dirrell would be getting for pulling out because he refused to box in Liverpool.

What if the fight had been agreed for a big venue in London and Smith moved the goal posts after the contract was agreed?

Try and get a bit more money. Don't pull-out of a world title fight unless you're really worried about your trainer's losing streak.

[BigDoofus]

I think the issue was Dirrells side thought Hearn would bid more originally then were left with 1.6m purse that they realistically had no chance of covering the costs with as Dirrell doesn't have that sort of profile.

Dirrell messed around with dates for weeks - I don't blame Smith in this instance as he's waited 12 months and then Dirrells side we're stalling again.

Dirrell's team wanted to move the fight FORWARD one day to Sept 8th.
The issue was Smith didn't want to fight in Flint.
Imagine the abuse that Dirrell would be getting for pulling out because he refused to box in Liverpool.

Yea, that's silly from smith to be fair

At last. A voice of reason.
A duck is a duck.

[davie]

Dirrell's team wanted to move the fight FORWARD one day to Sept 8th.
The issue was Smith didn't want to fight in Flint.
Imagine the abuse that Dirrell would be getting for pulling out because he refused to box in Liverpool.

What if the fight had been agreed for a big venue in London and Smith moved the goal posts after the contract was agreed?

Try and get a bit more money. Don't pull-out of a world title fight unless you're really worried about your trainer's losing streak.

Callum is the one wearing the gloves

He will get a shot at a world title in this tournament if he gets the wins

Do you think Dirrell is really anything to be scared of?




I think there's not a huge amount between the 2 opportunities, both are good chances to get his big shot, win a title, boost his profile and get paid

Smith may have taken the easy way out of the Dirrell fight because they did their sums and figured the tournament was the slightly better opportunity and it was something that excited him. But you seem to be implying that he ducked Dirrell because he was worried about him, I very very much doubt that.
I also don't think Callum will be worried about Joe's 'form'. Callum will have faith in his ability and power. (whether that faith is justified, we will find out soon)

[TheLeprechaun]

It's in liverpool which helps Smith but Skoglund is pretty solid. Defintiely going to be the bigger, stronger lad here and if coming down to 168 doesn't trouble him too much I think he has a big chance because he's got faster feet than Smith and faster hands for me. The big difference is how much shorter and crisper Smiths punches are on the inside. Kind of reminds me of OD vs Taylor in that respect. Skoglund covers up well though but I could see him countered and hurt, although he does look pretty solid. I think Smith is pretty one dimensional, lacking in a good jab and there to be outboxed and stopped. Skoglund will cause problems for as long as he is around and if he can put any dent in Smith whatsoever I think he wins. He has to get Smiths respect early and really watch out when hes throwing punches coming forward or inside. I think he has the tools and possibly intellect to do this. If he keeps the fight at range, throws out his snappy jab and the occasional fast combo and covers up any time it does on the inside he can win.

Interesting fight.

[boxingknockout]

It's in liverpool which helps Smith but Skoglund is pretty solid. Defintiely going to be the bigger, stronger lad here and if coming down to 168 doesn't trouble him too much I think he has a big chance because he's got faster feet than Smith and faster hands for me. The big difference is how much shorter and crisper Smiths punches are on the inside. Kind of reminds me of OD vs Taylor in that respect. Skoglund covers up well though but I could see him countered and hurt, although he does look pretty solid. I think Smith is pretty one dimensional, lacking in a good jab and there to be outboxed and stopped. Skoglund will cause problems for as long as he is around and if he can put any dent in Smith whatsoever I think he wins. He has to get Smiths respect early and really watch out when hes throwing punches coming forward or inside. I think he has the tools and possibly intellect to do this. If he keeps the fight at range, throws out his snappy jab and the occasional fast combo and covers up any time it does on the inside he can win.

Interesting fight.

Interesting - I have never seen Skoglund fight.

[BigDoofus]

What if the fight had been agreed for a big venue in London and Smith moved the goal posts after the contract was agreed?

Try and get a bit more money. Don't pull-out of a world title fight unless you're really worried about your trainer's losing streak.

Callum is the one wearing the gloves

He will get a shot at a world title in this tournament if he gets the wins

Do you think Dirrell is really anything to be scared of?




I think there's not a huge amount between the 2 opportunities, both are good chances to get his big shot, win a title, boost his profile and get paid

Smith may have taken the easy way out of the Dirrell fight because they did their sums and figured the tournament was the slightly better opportunity and it was something that excited him. But you seem to be implying that he ducked Dirrell because he was worried about him, I very very much doubt that.
I also don't think Callum will be worried about Joe's 'form'. Callum will have faith in his ability and power. (whether that faith is justified, we will find out soon)

He could have boxed for a world title in about 8 weeks or the chance of a world title if he wins 2 more fights (barring pullouts and injuries).

[davie]

Try and get a bit more money. Don't pull-out of a world title fight unless you're really worried about your trainer's losing streak.

Callum is the one wearing the gloves

He will get a shot at a world title in this tournament if he gets the wins

Do you think Dirrell is really anything to be scared of?




I think there's not a huge amount between the 2 opportunities, both are good chances to get his big shot, win a title, boost his profile and get paid

Smith may have taken the easy way out of the Dirrell fight because they did their sums and figured the tournament was the slightly better opportunity and it was something that excited him. But you seem to be implying that he ducked Dirrell because he was worried about him, I very very much doubt that.
I also don't think Callum will be worried about Joe's 'form'. Callum will have faith in his ability and power. (whether that faith is justified, we will find out soon)

He could have boxed for a world title in about 8 weeks or the chance of a world title if he wins 2 more fights (barring pullouts and injuries).

Do you think he ducked Dirrell?

Do you honestly think he's afraid of losing to Dirrell

[Horse]

Do you honestly think he's afraid of losing to Dirrell

I do.