Ward-Smith Hit By BBBoC Issue, Resolution Expected

May 18, 2015 • 12:43 PM ET

By Terence Dooley

BoxingScene understands that Paul Smith’s dream fight with consensus Super middleweight champion Andre Ward hit a bump in the road last week as the BBBoC have suspended the Liverpudlian’s British boxing license after he failed to attend a formal meeting with them and didn’t submit the necessary paperwork in his absence. According to Board rules suspended fighters are not eligible to box abroad. However, BoxingScene has been informed that the relevant paperwork has been sent to the Board—it relates to his purse from the Abraham fight—and his license is expected to be reinstated by this Friday.

Smith, 35-5 (20), has a June 26 date with the Oakland-based American—who is taking part in his first fight in 18-months—so is on a tight timescale. The 32-year-old earned his opportunity thanks to a brace of tough, competitive fights with Arthur Abraham for the WBO belt. “Smigga” gained a lot of respect following the two defeats—particularly the first one, which was closer than the cards suggested—and the Ward reward was announced shortly after his second trip to Germany.

Ward, 27-0 (14), picked up the WBA and WBC belts en route to winning the inaugural Super Six boxing tournament. He has boxed twice since beating Carl Froch by decision in December 2011—wins over Chad Dawson (W TKO 10) and Edwin Rodriguez (W12)—and has had a staccato schedule due to a promotional dispute. The 31-year-old will hope to shake off some rust at his home city's Oracle Arena venue and, as we have seen, Smith is capable of giving him both rounds and something to think about as Ward bids to get himself back into the mix for big fights.