Joe Smith Wants To Get His Hands on Adonis Stevenson

By Edward Chaykovsky

Back in June, light heavyweight contender Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18KOs) pulled off one of the biggest upset of the year when he knocked out top contender Andrzej Fonfara in the first round.

Fonfara was very close to securing a rematch with WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson (28-1, 23KOs), who retained his title last month with an exciting knockout of Thomas Williams Jr.

Many viewed the fight as a mismatch on paper. Just when Smith appeared to be hurt, he caught Fonfara cold with a counter and sent him crashing down. Fonfara never recovered and was soon stopped before his hometown fans.

Smith is a big hitter as Fonfara found out. Stevenson won't be as reckless as he protects himself well against punchers, but Smith believes he might be able to catch him on the chin. He feels Stevenson will provide him with the perfect opening, like Fonfara.

Smith will likely have to wait until early next year for a crack at Stevenson. The World Boxing Council has ordered Stevenson to make a mandatory defense against undefeated challenger Eleider Alvarez.

"I would like to fight Adonis Stevenson next if we can make it happen," Smith told On The Ropes Boxing Radio. 

"I think I’m a little better on my feet, maybe I can outbox him for a few rounds. He leaves himself open too, so maybe eventually I’d catch him with a shot. I would have to be cautious, I never underestimate anybody, I know he’s a tough guy and he can punch as well. I just have to go in there cautiously and do what I do."