Smith Steps From Shadows on ShoBox
by Jason Probst (April 21, 2003)
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Ishe Smith wants to be Las Vegas' first homegrown world champion, and this Thursday night on the season premiere of Showtime's SHOBOX, he takes the first step on the big stage against veteran Sam Garr. At 10-0 (6 KO), Smith is best known in fight circles as having given Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas some tough sparring. He made such a mark in Vargas' camp prior to his "Bad Blood" showdown his De La Hoya last September that Vargas mentioned him during prefight buildup as a fighter to watch.
But when he stepped into the ring with Vargas for the first time, it was clear that Smith didn't come to spar, but to give as good as he got.
"He got right in there and mixed it up with Vargas," said Manager Mike Levy. "He was calling Vargas names, calling him a bitch. And Vargas liked it."
Smith's speed and power, along with excellent movement, have evoked comparisons to a young De La Hoya.
"Vargas was definitely the hardest person I ever sparred with," Smith told MaxBoxing.com. He has also sparred with Mohammad Abdullaev, among others. "(Vargas) brought out the best in me. It was great work. I'll help him anytime."
Ishe is an easygoing guy until he steps in the squared circle.
"When I'm out of the ring, I'm a good person. I try to live a Christian life. When I get in the ring something comes over me and I guess I'm real competitive," Smith explained. "When it comes down to boxing, that's just how I am. That's the mean streak."
Smith likes to watch tapes old old-time fighters, too, to pick up things by osmosis.
"Joe Louis, some of the shots he throws, you can't duplicate that. I also love to watch Sugar Ray Robinson and his left hook," Smith said.
"My best shot is my left hook, but I have pretty much am strong in every aspect," Smith said. "A lot of people say I fight like De La Hoya, but we'll just have to see, I'll just have to see. I sparred with Roshi Wells, and he's told me that, and a couple guys have told me that. I just watch tapes and pick up certain things that guys do. I just want everybody to tune in on the 24th. It's gonna be a short night."
Sam Garr, proposed recipient of short night, is a tough veteran with a record of 33-6 (29 KO). He was unsuccessful challenging for then-WBA champion James Page's title in 1999, and has lost against fringe contenders like Danny Perez, Gary Jones, and prospect Chris Smith. Garr can punch, and brings a name with him, which is why he's the opponent. The time for Smith to be outclassing guys on low-level shows is gone. Smith recently signed with Gary Shaw as his promoter, and Shaw's matchmaker Brad Goodman is looking to move Ishe up the ladder accordingly.
"I just think whenever they say do, if my body is ready, I will do," Smith said. "A lot of welterweight prospects don't impress me. I don't see a 'Killer' in Kermit Cintron, and I don't see a 'Messenger' in Anthony Thompson. When the smoke clears I'll be up there ahead of these guys."
"Whenever I fight, I'm upset with everybody I fight. Sam Garr is trying to take food off my table, the clothes off my back," Smith added. "I'm mad at him for signing to take this fight."
"It's a fight that Ishe shouldn't have any problems with," Brad Goodman told MaxBoxing.com. "Beating a guy like Garr gives Ishe a name. I've done eight of Ishe's 10 fights. I see a guy that has all the ability in the world; he can box, and he can punch. The only thing with Ishe is, I wanna see him more aggressive. A lot of times he's cautious when guys aren't a threat to him. I want to see him explode. He's gonna be on TV and get some exposure and this is the first time. He has to be impressive and he knows how important it is."
The pressure of being a T.V. attraction is an added challenge, but Fernando Vargas believes Smith will handle it well.
"I think he's a great fighter. And he could be world champion if he wants to be," Vargas told MaxBoxing. "He's very advanced for 10 fights. I think that he's definitely a great fighter and all he has to do is want it."
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E-Mail Jason Probst at jasonprobst@hotmail.com
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