Class showing by Paul Smith

[Deserter]

He seems to be getting a lot of abuse from some posters, but I've just watched the post-fight conference (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-1MqYrsCOc) and thought he was humble and classy, so struggling to see why he's getting such a slagging?

On a separate note, Fwank's face and body language while Groves talks about Degale is priceless...

[Finch]

At what time is the Groves/Degale chat?

[Deserter]

At what time is the Groves/Degale chat?

From the 23 min 50 sec mark.

[Lightsoot]

I'm not a Paul Smith fan but it must have been genuinely gutting for him to be so ruthlessly taken out just moments after he shook Groves up. It's conceivable that he could have floored Groves had he been able to mount a follow-up attack before the bell rang to end the first.

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2011/groves ... lth-crowns

[Terrrrry]

Nice write up, Ben

Smith just basically contradicts himself in the video from the post-fight presser. Groves has gone from being a "a little idiot with overrated punching power" to a "real tough quality kid who's a big puncher". Makes sense!

[Jeff Thomas]

I am a Paul Smith fan, and just because he chooses not to engage people on here anymore shouldn't really be held against him. Psychologically speaking he needs to be as confident in his own ability as possible and I don't blame him for sometimes getting upset with stuff on here. I thought he started really well last night- the shot that floored him was a clever a right hand as i've seen domestically for many years.

A right hook to the body feignt changed mid flight to a head shot.... Morales - Chacon anybody? I doubt many fighters would have taken that shot. I think Paul Smith has a future still he looked really good in the opening round. Get down to Middle smigga and see what you can do down there.

I think (some of) you guys would give him in easier time if you understood what its like to take part in the sport. Your crucifying your pride on a daily basis and on a huge stage when you fight. Its pychologically very,very tough. And i'm a couple of levels below those guys.

Also a persona on a forum - might not be the real you. I mean i'm a sound guy in real life as well as on here - but someone might be great on a forum and a pudendum in real life and visa versa.

[SAPFO]

He got caught, that's boxing! Smith is man enough to face it and change his opinion when faced with the facts. Let's top knocking him now and just get behind him whatever level he fights at.

I'd like to see him at MW in the mix with Macklin, Murray, Barker, Saunders, Selkirk etc...



But who does he beat on that list?

[The_Don1]

any good lip readers will also be able to getm joe gallaghers number as it gives it to booth around 25 mins

[NazNaci1]

George has a good chin and though Paul caught him, at the end of the first, I don't think it bothered him too much.

Paul is a decent bloke who probably isn't very tolerant of boxing fans, especially critical ones. I can't dislike the guy, as he knows his stuff and, as that interview showed, is honest enough to see it for what it is.

Warren's itching for Degale - Groves II and he was clearly rooting for Smith, against Groves. I think, whilst he is making money out of this, he would have far preferred to Smith to win and definitely is looking to push Degale - Groves II, in the hope Degale wins.

George is right to do what he feels in the right thing as Warren, clearly doesn't really like Booth and visa versa. Its an arrangement which suits all parties, at the moment but Warren is definitely looking to get Degale a win over George.

[Terrrrry]

Warren's itching for Degale - Groves II and he was clearly rooting for Smith, against Groves.

Yep! If you watch FW's reaction when Groves nailed Smith last night, it was one of sheer disappoinment! His arms reached out in a "Nooooooooooooo!" type of action!

His favouritism of his golden boy DeGale is clear for all to see.

[Terrrrry]

Warren's reaction to Groves' KO from 6:05 is priceless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_QoHhXaOQU

[Final round]

Warren's reaction to Groves' KO from 6:05 is priceless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_QoHhXaOQU

Ha ha classic, FW must be gutted.

[hurlock]

look at the second knockdown wazza is waving on groves to finish smith??

smith could of continued if the ref didnt attack him after he got dropped D

[15829]

look at the second knockdown wazza is waving on groves to finish smith??

smith could of continued if the ref didnt attack him after he got dropped D

Not seen it since but he looked like he was gesturing that it should have been waved off as Smith's legs dipped.

x2

[Yorkshiresuperstar]

Smith doesn't look cut at 168, def could do 160lbs...be a handful at Middle.

Peach of a shot last night, great distraction jab, bringing the hook round, was pure class. Groves movement looked brilliant, but he looks a touch fragile too.

[MightyWarrior]

Yep classy showing at the press conf by Paul Smith, who went out on his shield to an absolutely perfect shot by George Groves. The type of punch you just don't get up from; he showed a great chin by even managing to get up there.

FW knew he was finished, and was standing up on heart alone, which was why he was trying to signal to the ref.

What a shocker, Paul must have thought he had Groves, when he stunned him with the right at the end of round 1 - but Groves showed he's got the X factor with a stunning finish there.

[Tommy Gunn13]

I ve never been one to praise Smith,but fair dues he came across well in thw interview..A drop down to middle&see what he can do,but he will only be domestic level at best,Macklin,Barker&Murray will be a level ahead,Saunders seems the best bet in 9-12months time..

[Datsue]

It was a lovely shot, though, wasn't it? Looked a little like Jhonny Gonzalez vs Hozumi Hasegawa (long right that seems to be going toward the ribcage but then arced up to the chin).

Well done Grovesy, fair play Smith.

[MightyWarrior]

I haven't watched it back but it did appear that after Smith got up from that peach of a punch, FW was waving Groves forward to finish him. Perhaps he was indeed waving to the ref to stop it as has been suggested but it didn't appear that way.

Me thinks that someone wants DeGale vs Groves 2!!

No you can clearly see Frank is hugely upset to see Smith hit the canvas, then he sees Paul's legs go when he gets back up, and is trying to tell the ref to stop it....weird place for Groves to be in, as Frank will be rooting for DeGale too.

Booth is now 3-0 up against Frank - who must be sitting next to him at the press conf with gritted teeth.

[TheCobra]

When Smith goes down fore the first Knockdown Frank looks visibly gutted by it, which surely shows you where his loyalties lie! I'm not so sure if I were Groves I'd be so comfortable sleeping with the enemy as it were, maybe would have been better going with Matchroom but who knows, I suppose if the money is right then it makes sense.

[Lenny]

When Smith goes down fore the first Knockdown Frank looks visibly gutted by it, which surely shows you where his loyalties lie! I'm not so sure if I were Groves I'd be so comfortable sleeping with the enemy as it were, maybe would have been better going with Matchroom but who knows, I suppose if the money is right then it makes sense.

Smith has been with Warren from day 1 where as I don't think anyone would expect Groves to be there for the longterm. Booth I feel still very much calls the shots as far as Groves is concerned. For me it an expectable reaction and along with Frank's words at the press conference, shows how close and loyal he is to Paul.

[JamesH]

Groves - FW is a marriage of convenience, something both of them are clearly aware of. It's no secret that Warren would prefer his long term signing De Gale (who he manages and promotes) over a recent signing who he has some limited say over. It would appear logical to me from both a personal and a business perspective.

[Counter-puncher]

smith can sell 1000's of tickets in Liverpool if he has a belt to defend- guessing that's why FW wasn't thrilled?

[Glyn Leach]

smith can sell 1000's of tickets in Liverpool if he has a belt to defend- guessing that's why FW wasn't thrilled?

Also we should remember that FW has been promoting AND managing Smith for a good few years whereas he only started promoting Groves a couple of months ago. Even promoters have feelings y'know and Smigga is a nice fella - doesn't mean George isn't, just that there hasn't been time for him and FW to 'bond' yet. I don't see any problem

[iamasadlittleboy]

...not think he was looking of the money of a DeGale v Smith rematch going down the drain? Smith is an easy sell to the scousers despite his limitations, Groves v DeGale...after their first fight...would likely have stunk again, and with DeGale getting his chin checked last time would he REALLY be that eager for DeGale v Groves II?