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

[Ruthless-RKO]

Steve Geffrard Replaces Callum Johnson As Joe Smith's Opponent 1/15 On ESPN

Another training camp won't go to waste for Joe Smith Jr.

Steve Geffrard agreed Friday to replace Callum Johnson as Smith’s opponent January 15 in a main event ESPN will televise from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Geffrard (18-2, 12 KOs) is unknown and unproven at the championship level, but the 31-year-old Miami native is in shape because he was scheduled to fight Argentina’s Gonzalo Andreasen (7-8, 6 KOs, 1 NC) in an eight-rounder Saturday night in Delray Beach, Florida.

Unlike several other potential replacements matchmakers for Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. contacted, Geffrard was willing to take a very difficult fight against the WBO light heavyweight champion for a reasonable purse and on eight days’ notice. Geffrard is not ranked in the top 15 by the WBO, a requirement for eligibility for a title shot, but Smith-Geffrard is expected to be sanctioned as a WBO championship match.

England’s Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) is a big puncher who would’ve been more dangerous for Smith (27-3, 21 KOs), but the 36-year-old contender tested positive for COVID-19 this week and withdrew Thursday from their 12-round fight.

Johnson replaced Russia’s Umar Salamov as Smith’s opponent in mid-November because Salamov couldn’t obtain a visa to travel to the United States to challenge Smith on January 15. Salamov (26-2, 19 KOs) instead dropped a 12-round unanimous decision to WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) on December 11 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Geffrard, meanwhile, will take an 18-fight winning streak into his fight with Smith.

He hasn’t lost since Travis Reeves (then 0-1-1) beat him by split decision in their four-rounder in June 2013 in Sunrise, Florida. In his previous bout, Kentrell Claiborne (then 2-6) stopped Geffrard in the third round of Geffrard’s pro debut in February 2013 in Detroit.

The 32-year-old Smith will make the first defense of the WBO 175-pound championship he won in his last fight – a 12-round, majority-decision victory over Russia’s Maxim Vlasov (46-4, 26 KOs) on April 10 at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Smith was supposed to face Salamov on October 30 at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York, but Smith contracted COVID-19 in mid-September.

[gregregegg]

This is the first time i can recall that someone that lost there first 2 fights as a pro gets a shot at a belt. Go geffard lad, get the upset of the decade then wait around for canelo.

[goose 5]

Mike Weaver lost his first 2 pro bouts- and also 3 out of his first 4.

[gregregegg]

Mike Weaver lost his first 2 pro bouts- and also 3 out of his first 4.

Impressive to be able to recall that…

I guess it probably happened a few times in the losses don’t matter era, increasingly rare now so would think, you get 2 looses strait up might as well change your name, move and start again….

[hbg]

This is the first time i can recall that someone that lost there first 2 fights as a pro gets a shot at a belt. Go geffard lad, get the upset of the decade then wait around for canelo.

https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/528191

From losing his first two bouts by stoppage to beating an undefeated ATG twice eight years later.

[ironbeard]

Most notable about Joe Smith Jr’s last minute step in opponent is that people have a hard time getting his name, Steve Geffrard, right.

Other than that, Joe best not be sleeping on this guy. Geffrard has a couple of decent wins and an 18 fight win streak. He has had a Rocky-like scenario drop into his lap. He has decent skills and some decent pop. He goes to the body well and combos off of it.

Joe Smith Jr is facing someone very much like himself a few years back. Geffrard has heavy enough hands to trouble him, if Joe let’s him build any confidence.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

WBO light heavyweight world champion Joe Smith Jr will make his first title defense against an unlikely contender. British puncher Callum Johnson tested positive for COVID-19, so Smith will now face Steve Geffrard on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Turning Stone Resort Casino and LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

In the 10-round co-feature, featherweight contender Abraham Nova (20-0, 14 KOs), who was originally slated to fight Jose Enrique Vivas, will fight Dominican veteran William “El Gago” Encarnacion (19-1, 15 KOs) after Vivas dropped out with an injury.

“I give Steve credit for taking this fight on short notice,” Smith said. “He is a tough guy, and I expect him to bring everything he has for this opportunity. I’m ready to fight regardless of who is in the ring with me. My goal is the same, which is to defend my world title and keep it on Long Island where it belongs.”

Geffrard said, “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s crazy how boxing works. One moment I’m thinking about boxing on a local show, then the phone rings for a chance to fight for the WBO world title on ESPN. Unreal!”

Smith (27-3, 21 KOs), the fighting pride of Long Island, won the title last April with a majority decision over Maxim Vlasov. His proposed October return was postponed due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, and with Johnson out, he turns his attention to Geffrard (18-2, 12 KOs), a 31-year-old native of Miami, Florida.

Geffrard is a nine-year pro who has won 18 straight fights since starting his career 0-2. He upped his record to 18-2 last March, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over longtime contender Denis Grachev. Geffrard had a fight scheduled for Jan. 8 in Delray Beach, Florida, but the “South Florida Cinderella Man” jumped at the chance to fight Smith on eight days’ notice.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

[margaret thatcher]

This is the first time i can recall that someone that lost there first 2 fights as a pro gets a shot at a belt. Go geffard lad, get the upset of the decade then wait around for canelo.

https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/528191

From losing his first two bouts by stoppage to beating an undefeated ATG twice eight years later.

debut vs a future 3 division champ too....tough start

[Gnome]

This is the first time i can recall that someone that lost there first 2 fights as a pro gets a shot at a belt. Go geffard lad, get the upset of the decade then wait around for canelo.

Johnny Nelson!

https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000623

[gregregegg]

This is the first time i can recall that someone that lost there first 2 fights as a pro gets a shot at a belt. Go geffard lad, get the upset of the decade then wait around for canelo.

Johnny Nelson!

https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000623

Wow johny nelson had a rough start. Lost 3 in a row. then another couple not that long after. How the fuk had he earn that title shot in 1990? seems a madness.

[JamesPhilips]

Joe Bugner got knocked out by a bum in his first fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joe Smith Jr defends his title against Steve Geffrard on Sunday morning, coverage starts at 1.30am on Sky Sports Arena

[Ruthless-RKO]

final press conference

Steve Geffrard wasn’t supposed to be here. Last Friday, he was preparing to weigh in for a fight in Delray Beach, Florida, when he received a call. WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. needed an opponent after British puncher Callum Johnson contracted COVID-19.

Geffrard answered the call and will fight Smith this Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Geffrard (18-2, 12 KOs), a South Florida native and former U.S. amateur standout, was 0-2 before rattling off 18 consecutive victories. Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) defeated Maxim Vlasov last April and will finally defend his title after a COVID-19 diagnosis delayed his return.

In the 10-round co-feature, featherweight contender Abraham Nova (20-0, 14 KOs) will look to extend his unbeaten record against 2012 Dominican Olympian William Encarnacion (19-1, 15 KOs).

The undercard will stream live on ESPN+ (7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT) and includes rising Puerto Rican star Omar Rosario (5-0, 2 KOs), 18-year-old welterweight Jahi Tucker (5-0, 3 KOs), and recent U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (3-0, 2 KOs) in separate bouts.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Joe Smith Jr.

“I can’t wait to be on ESPN this Saturday defending my world title in front of the whole world. I’m extremely happy to be here. There were a couple of moments where I thought I wasn’t going to be here. I can’t wait! Thanks to everyone that made this happen.”

“Since I became a world champion, the only thing that has really changed for me is that I’m holding this title, and I want to keep it that way.”

“Geffrard has been inside the ring training with the best. I’m sure he is going to give it his all and will try to take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Steve Geffrard

“When those belts are on the line, that mental switch turns on. I know that mentally and skill-wise I can battle with the best. I have sparred with, and handled myself very well, against the best of the division.”

“I’m a fighter, especially with an opportunity like this. I’m going to rise to the occasion. I’ll show the world who Steve Geffrard is.”

“I was in the sauna when I got the call for this fight. I was looking forward to Smith vs. Johnson, but now I’m the one fighting for the title. It’s surreal.”

Abraham Nova

“I’m excited because I’ll be fighting very close to my hometown (Albany). You guys are going to see an action-packed fighter. I’m ready to put on a great performance. I’m looking for a big win on Saturday night.”

“I want to shine and make a statement this Saturday. I want to send a message to the featherweight division. By the end of this year, I want to be fighting for a world title. I would love to challenge Emanuel ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete for his title.”

“For two months straight, we had a game plan for an opponent, and at the last minute, we had a change of opponent. What I have seen from my new opponent is that he is a very good fighter. He has the skills and a high ring IQ. He is an Olympian. It doesn’t matter. We have one goal, and that is to win by all means necessary.”

William Encarnacion

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I am thrilled about this opportunity.”

“It has been a good preparation. I didn’t even have a fight date when they called me for this opportunity, but I always keep training in the gym. I’m ready to go this Saturday.”

SATURDAY, January 15, 2022

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

• Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffrard, 12 rounds, Smith’s WBO Light Heavyweight World Title
• Abraham Nova vs. William Encarnacion, 10 rounds, featherweight

ESPN+, 7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT

• Omar Rosario vs. Raekwon Butler, 6 rounds, junior welterweight
• Jahi Tucker vs. Akeem Black, 6 rounds, welterweight
• Troy Isley vs. Harry Keenan Cruz Cubano, 6 rounds, middleweight
• Lyubomyr Pinchuk vs. Jose Mario Flores, 8 rounds, heavyweight

[Ruthless-RKO]

[AngryGoon38]

Smith Jr vs Geffard should be Really Good.
They're both Wise-Men,in this era of nonsensical trash talking hype the fight Boxer-Punks.
I see this bout either going the distance, or at least into the later/championship rounds.
They both Respect one another, thus why they're both conserving they're energy for the actual physical fight,instead of engaging in all of that nonsensical energy sapping emotionally driven trash-talk. Good for these Classier types of Boxers.

[Ruthless-RKO]

weigh-in results



Smith Jr vs Geffrard weigh-in start time is scheduled for
3 pm ET / 12 pm PT in the US
12 pm GMT in the UK on Friday January 14,
7 am AEDT in Australia on Saturday January 15.

Live stream video is available up top.

[brilo33]

i think joe should win this ko, its funny but this is the first fight jr is going in as favourite so hopefuly he doesnt get complacent iam sure jr wont as he has done it the hard way , and in a away you could say the fonfara fight where joe made his name fonfara had hurt joe early backed him on to the ropes then thought he could walk through joe then bang later,6 rd ko jr.

decent read
https://www.ringtv.com/492868-ring-maga ... -smith-jr/

[brilo33]

Most notable about Joe Smith Jr’s last minute step in opponent is that people have a hard time getting his name, Steve Geffrard, right.

Other than that, Joe best not be sleeping on this guy. Geffrard has a couple of decent wins and an 18 fight win streak. He has had a Rocky-like scenario drop into his lap. He has decent skills and some decent pop. He goes to the body well and combos off of it.

Joe Smith Jr is facing someone very much like himself a few years back. Geffrard has heavy enough hands to trouble him, if Joe let’s him build any confidence.

argeed saying the same thing my self the fonfar fight , jr is still grafing on site so i think he is very much in the mode of lets get the ko and then get big money fight ,also that russian fight was close any fight from here on is his career

[brilo33]

This is the first time i can recall that someone that lost there first 2 fights as a pro gets a shot at a belt. Go geffard lad, get the upset of the decade then wait around for canelo.

yea but in away you would rather your first fights is were you take your loses then in your presvious 2 fights , lomo was 1.1 after 2 fights, though i get what your saying not shooting down your point

[ironbeard]

Most notable about Joe Smith Jr’s last minute step in opponent is that people have a hard time getting his name, Steve Geffrard, right.

Other than that, Joe best not be sleeping on this guy. Geffrard has a couple of decent wins and an 18 fight win streak. He has had a Rocky-like scenario drop into his lap. He has decent skills and some decent pop. He goes to the body well and combos off of it.

Joe Smith Jr is facing someone very much like himself a few years back. Geffrard has heavy enough hands to trouble him, if Joe let’s him build any confidence.

argeed saying the same thing my self the fonfar fight , jr is still grafing on site so i think he is very much in the mode of lets get the ko and then get big money fight ,also that russian fight was close any fight from here on is his career

Geffrard is in a no lose situation. If he folds easily in 1, he made his best payday and he goes back to obscurity. If he loses valiantly in an entertaining fight he will likely get another decent opportunity or two.

If he wins . . .

Joe is not Artur Beterbiev. If Geffrard gets his respect early, it could get interesting.

[brilo33]

Most notable about Joe Smith Jr’s last minute step in opponent is that people have a hard time getting his name, Steve Geffrard, right.

Other than that, Joe best not be sleeping on this guy. Geffrard has a couple of decent wins and an 18 fight win streak. He has had a Rocky-like scenario drop into his lap. He has decent skills and some decent pop. He goes to the body well and combos off of it.

Joe Smith Jr is facing someone very much like himself a few years back. Geffrard has heavy enough hands to trouble him, if Joe let’s him build any confidence.

argeed saying the same thing my self the fonfar fight , jr is still grafing on site so i think he is very much in the mode of lets get the ko and then get big money fight ,also that russian fight was close any fight from here on is his career

Geffrard is in a no lose situation. If he folds easily in 1, he made his best payday and he goes back to obscurity. If he loses valiantly in an entertaining fight he will likely get another decent opportunity or two.

If he wins . . .

Joe is not Artur Beterbiev. If Geffrard gets his respect early, it could get interesting.

agree thats it ,like the joe jr v fonfara fight loads of polish fans in chicago that night expecting him to wipe the floor with joe bang , first time he is expected to win maybe even by a ko so its a different and new pressure for joe , these fights can always go 2 ways easy win or shock defeat, but what i like about jr he is humble works hard as labour on site ive been there thats keeps fire in the belley

[ironbeard]

argeed saying the same thing my self the fonfar fight , jr is still grafing on site so i think he is very much in the mode of lets get the ko and then get big money fight ,also that russian fight was close any fight from here on is his career

Geffrard is in a no lose situation. If he folds easily in 1, he made his best payday and he goes back to obscurity. If he loses valiantly in an entertaining fight he will likely get another decent opportunity or two.

If he wins . . .

Joe is not Artur Beterbiev. If Geffrard gets his respect early, it could get interesting.

agree thats it ,like the joe jr v fonfara fight loads of polish fans in chicago that night expecting him to wipe the floor with joe bang , first time he is expected to win maybe even by a ko so its a different and new pressure for joe , these fights can always go 2 ways easy win or shock defeat, but what i like about jr he is humble works hard as labour on site ive been there thats keeps fire in the belley

Don’t get me wrong. I love the Joe Smith Jr. story. If there is anything I don’t like about Joe I am unaware of it.

[margaret thatcher]

king joe's gonna stop a game steve, early rounds steve may hang in, but as it goes on he's gonna increasingly find it hard to cope with a level he's never been anywhere close to fighting

[brilo33]

Geffrard is in a no lose situation. If he folds easily in 1, he made his best payday and he goes back to obscurity. If he loses valiantly in an entertaining fight he will likely get another decent opportunity or two.

If he wins . . .

Joe is not Artur Beterbiev. If Geffrard gets his respect early, it could get interesting.

agree thats it ,like the joe jr v fonfara fight loads of polish fans in chicago that night expecting him to wipe the floor with joe bang , first time he is expected to win maybe even by a ko so its a different and new pressure for joe , these fights can always go 2 ways easy win or shock defeat, but what i like about jr he is humble works hard as labour on site ive been there thats keeps fire in the belley

Don’t get me wrong. I love the Joe Smith Jr. story. If there is anything I don’t like about Joe I am unaware of it.

not at all mate , i was thinking the same about i always write my posts first then read others back , and i was saying the same thing dangerous fight cant be misplacement

[Alguiffer]

Will be Sec 23, row H, seat 15 - if around please stop by and say howdy! Check out the local Albany NY kid Nova in the co-main. Looks like the board poll is in strong agreement predicting Smith by TKO - should be a good action bout while it lasts.