Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffard | ESPN - January 15, 2022

[margaret thatcher]

its absolutely true loads of dudes from 160-175 been totally protected as they hope for canelo, but to say smith is = totally jumping the gun

[lazboy]

I don’t understand why he’s not smart enough to say…I believe from this point, in consideration of a potential Canelo fight, he will be protected.

[KiwiRider]

Full Fight

[Enlightened-One]

I don’t understand why he’s not smart enough to say…I believe from this point, in consideration of a potential Canelo fight, he will be protected.

If you're referring to me, I definitely wrote that at least three times.

Here are a couple of examples:

Smith Jr. wasn’t being protected previously.

But now that Canelo is looming in the horizon, his handlers won’t attempt to match him against anyone risky.

For the record, Smith Jr's opposition in the pro ranks is much better than Beterbiev’s, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be protected going forward, because of the prospect of receiving a lottery jackpot sized Canelo payday.

I hate repeating myself… Joe Smith Jr. fought everybody prior to the likelihood of Canelo competing at 175lbs.

He has a much deeper resume than Artur Beterbiev.

But now that he is capable of earning roughly $10m to face Canelo, then this means his handlers aren’t going to consider risky fights for $500K.

Surely you can’t criticise me for having the same opinion as you do?

[cormack]

geffards corner should have pulled him out much earlier .
no way was he ever going to win .

took a lot of punishing shots without the need

[adislav123]

it was a poor last minute replacement choosing geffrard.

could they have gotten someone more deserving of the title shot?

i doubt that they even asked anyone higher ranked, no way all of the more than a handful of more deserving guys all declined the opportunity of a lifetime.

smith handlers defo played it safe.

[ironbeard]

They did not choose Geffrard. He was ready and available on 8 days notice due to being scheduled to appear on a minor card in Florida.

It is not like there were a ton of options.

If Joe Smith Jr. is “protected” from hence forward I will be more than happy to criticize the entire team. Is it too much to ask that people at least give a boxer who has NEVER been protected the benefit of the doubt until there is evidence of the crime?

We have plenty of evidence against many other boxers to keep us busy.

[lazboy]

I don’t understand why he’s not smart enough to say…I believe from this point, in consideration of a potential Canelo fight, he will be protected.

If you're referring to me, I definitely wrote that at least three times.

Here are a couple of examples:

Smith Jr. wasn’t being protected previously.

But now that Canelo is looming in the horizon, his handlers won’t attempt to match him against anyone risky.

For the record, Smith Jr's opposition in the pro ranks is much better than Beterbiev’s, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be protected going forward, because of the prospect of receiving a lottery jackpot sized Canelo payday.

I hate repeating myself… Joe Smith Jr. fought everybody prior to the likelihood of Canelo competing at 175lbs.

He has a much deeper resume than Artur Beterbiev.

But now that he is capable of earning roughly $10m to face Canelo, then this means his handlers aren’t going to consider risky fights for $500K.

Surely you can’t criticise me for having the same opinion as you do?

I’ve read your previous post - and given you the special attention you crave.

I understand you are predicting that Smith will be protected. To say a late replacement fight option is part of that scheme is fanciful however.

I guess it remains to be seen if Smith will be protected. He’s never previously been, which has made him a fan favourite. Obviously you know this and it’s why you picked him to rile ppl up with your protection theory. A theory based on not much at this time.

[brilo33]

it was a poor last minute replacement choosing geffrard.

could they have gotten someone more deserving of the title shot?

i doubt that they even asked anyone higher ranked, no way all of the more than a handful of more deserving guys all declined the opportunity of a lifetime.

smith handlers defo played it safe.

like who ,joe is one of the most dangerous fighters in the diversion he has fought most of them doubt bivol wants a rematch 2 weeks notice rest are tied up contracts , doubt hearn would have Buatsi fight him without a fight camp