BoxRec

If Smith won, esp if Ward retired afterwards, history would say Ward was rusty and shot.

Even Smith does not think he has much of a chance - this is a last pay day fight if I ever saw one. Before Smith vs Abraham 2 was finalised, Smith said he was offered Ward but he didn't want it cos he knew his level and he knew the most realistic chance of world honours was Abraham. He had that chance again fell short and knows he has no more offers unless he wanted to work his way back to Abraham 3 via the British/European route and I don't think he has enough time left in his career for that.

Smith, a small Super Middleweight, admitted only a few months ago he wasn't good enough for Ward.... now he is going to say he has a chance ABOVE the super middle limit.

Timing wise its good for him, he has nothing to lose. Even if Ward anhilates him he can blame the weight / Ward's greatness and he'd be in the same position as he was post Abraham 2. He wins 3/4 rounds and I could see him in a more winnable world title fight next..... but there is no way he can actually win this fight - baring some controversy (e.g. an injury).

With Hearn got (for now) 2 of the leading Super Middleweights and having a close working relationship with Saurland (Groves and Abraham) then there is a chance Smith could come back.... but this is as realistic a fight as the likes of Jennings vs Cotto, Lockett vs Pavlik, Rose vs Andrade, Rees vs Broner.

Coco wrote:If Smith won, esp if Ward retired afterwards, history would say Ward was rusty and shot.

If Smith wins then there will have to a reason like that, or an injury to Ward. We're talking about a domestic middleweight, in with by far the best super middle at light heavy.

Smith has no chance. Even his nan can't help him.