By Steve Kim
It's been a huge 2016 for light heavyweight contender Joe Smith, who upset the heavily favored Andrzej Fonfara with a first round knockout and then ended the career of future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins this past weekend at the Forum in Inglewood, California - by knocking him clear out of the ring in the eighth round.
When asked if they had any contractual obligations or commitments to other promoters or networks, the head of Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia told BoxingScene.com:
"We've got the ability to do what's best for Joe and that's the idea - to do what's best for Joe and do what's best for Star Boxing and all of us. And obviously, we're going to look at the fans because we really believe Joe is a man who can resonate with the fans and we're looking towards the future and Joe's got a bright, bright future. He's a young, young, good looking kid," DeGuardia said.
Smith, who has a record of 23-1 (19 KO's), hails from Long Island and was reared on local club shows in that area.
"I certainly want him in New York. Look, what better place to be?," stated DeGuardia. "I got a guy who brings tons of fans and excitement. I'm sure he'd pack Madison Square Garden, the Barclay Center, he'd pack Nassau Coliseum. That's the three venues right there in New York that are good venues for him."
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum recently told BoxingScene that he's interested in speaking with DeGuardia about a fight between Smith and Long Island rival Seanie Monaghan.
"I've been working on other things but Joe's a real good friend, I have great respect for him and I think we'll probably be talking about it," said Arum.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
