In October 2012 Callum Smith followed his brothers into the professional ranks, under the promotional banner of Matchroom Sport, and like his siblings, has been trained by, Manchester’s trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher.
Smith made his debut on the undercard of Carl Froch vs. Yusaf Mack back in November 2012, since then the youngest of the four Smith brothers has impressed the boxing world with his unbeaten record.
His latest victory over Rocky Fielding made history, winning the British super-middle weight title; Callum, Liam, Stephen and Paul are the first four siblings to win British boxing titles.
Smith shocked the boxing world when he floored his opponent three times inside the first round, winning by TKO, in what the majority of fans saw as a 50/50 fight.
Callum is now ranked number one for Badou Jack’s WBC super-middleweight title. Joe Gallagher expects Smith to stay on course for a world title shot in 2016.
Jack won a split decision against Groves in his last fight to retain his belt and, while Smith is keen to challenge him for his world title, he has also expressed an interest in stepping into the ring with Groves first if the opportunity presented itself.
Smith told Sky Sports, “I feel I am ahead of George Groves right now but if the fight was offered I would take it. He is a big name at the end of the day and if the terms are right then yes.
“I am sure it is a good fight for the British fans with two big British fighters going against each other.”
When talking to the Guardian, Eddie Hearn said “We pushed Callum hard at the WBC convention, just finished, and they could make him mandatory challenger next. If not, they will 100% nominate him for a final eliminator.
“But that doesn’t have to be the route he takes. He’s got a great platform now. The head of Sky Sports, Barney Francis, texted me after the fight and said ‘Wow!’ That’s kind of what the whole nation thought. His progression has been perfect. Everything is mapped out for him. He can be a really big star.”
He added: “I’d love him to fight George Groves next. I’ve wanted that for a long time. I think you’ll see Groves out in January, but I think Callum needs to box around February. It was a quick fight but a long fight. I know Callum will want to enjoy himself – and it’s a difficult time: do you train over Christmas or do you wait and box in March? Callum is the fourth Smith brother to win a British title, which I don’t think will be appreciated how it should be. It’s a phenomenal achievement.”
Only 25yrs old, ranked number one by the WBC, and hailed as one of the world’s best super middleweights, Callum hopes to join brother Liam and hold a world title in 2016.
– Emmily Simcock / @Emmily_Jane
Leave a Reply