By Chris Glover
Greenrigg, a small town in West Lothian, unfamiliar to many even in the surrounding areas happens to be the home to one of Scotland's most highly rated prospects in Kieran 'Chopper' Smith.
The once decorated amateur who competed at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow a couple of years back has been a hidden gem of Scottish boxing until Friday evening where everything changed. 'Chopper' exploded onto the British and world scene, live on Sky Sports, by delivering an 18-second knockout to the previously undefeated Robert Asagba on the undercard of Ricky Burns vs Kiryl Relikh. The West Lothian upstart gave his take on last Friday evening's proceedings.
"I still feel really good from it all; it was brilliant, to be honest," Smith said. "I've seen the fight back and like I thought at the time, the left uppercut did the damage, and his legs went from that."
"I've seen a few people claim online that I hit him on the back of the head. I didn't aim for the back of his head I just followed up with a solid right hand that put him down. Boxing is about defending yourself at all times. I can't control how he turns his head. However, I think the damage was already done by the time the right hand landed."
Smith, who was a float on the evening's card was given the opportunity as Scott Cardle produced an excellent sixth-round stoppage of Kevin Hooper, giving the Greenrigg super-welterweight the opportunity to showcase his skills on a massive platform that is Sky Sports.
"I hit the perfect spot being to go on when I did and deliver the performance I did. I've got to partially give credit to Scott Cardle finishing his fight early!"
Smith now turns his attention to Willie Limond's Lock Stock Promotions show on November 20 at Glasgow's Marriott Hotel where he competes in a six-round contest. 'Chopper' is not overlooking any opponent, but he has laid out his own plans for early 2017.
"I want to step up for titles. Any title opportunity that comes my way I'm happy to take it and I'm sure my manager [Willie Limond] will deliver the right fight for me at the right time."
"I don't want to be one of 14-0 after fighting 14 journeymen," Smith continued. "I want to fight live opponents. Live opponents leave openings and I can show my skills and that showed last Friday night."
Scottish broadcaster STV have recently ventured back into boxing, showcasing the famous St Andrew's Sporting Club's last event. They will also cover Lock Stock Promotions shows in the not so distant future so fight fans all around the United Kingdom will have the opportunity to follow the exciting super-welterweight's career.
Smith gave his take on potentially fighting on TV again in the coming months.
"I've been told I'll be back on live TV in the near future, so hopefully I can continue to deliver performances like on Friday night in front of a massive audience and most of all keep people entertained."
