“Lightning” Lonnie Smith Now a Promotional Free Agent

By Ryan Maquiñana

Junior lightweight prospect “Lightning” Lonnie Smith and Let’s Get It On Boxing have amicably parted ways, according to the fighter and his now former promoter.

“I’m a free agent now,” Smith told BoxingScene.com Wednesday afternoon.  “It was nothing personal at all.  Terry and Tommy [Lane] wanted to take my next step in one direction, and I wanted to go about it in a different way.  I’d love to sign with someone and come back to fight again in the summer.”

The 25-year-old Smith (14-3-2, 10 KOs) has become a fan favorite with his relentless brawling style, having reeled off nine consecutive wins before getting caught in the first round by Vicente Escobedo last month for a regional 130-pound title.

“I have definitely learned from my mistakes in that fight,” Smith said. “Credit to Escobedo for winning the fight, but I think I’ll approach a big moment like that a lot differently the next time around.”

Now Smith looks forward to the future, citing precedent to state his case that a fighter’s renaissance is only a bout away in many cases.

“Look at James Kirkland,” Smith said.  “Everyone gave up on Kirkland after he got knocked out in the first round, and he’s back up there in the mix for a world title after he knocked out [Alfredo] Angulo.”

Based out of Las Vegas, Smith has reached out to the community while he waits for his next assignment.  On May 4, he will give a lecture on poetry to sixth graders at Gibson Middle School, followed by working at a boxing camp for kids ages 8-16 the next day for the Jump for Joy Foundation, an organization dedicated to fighting obesity.

“I’m really excited to be working with the kids,” Smith said.  “Reading and writing poetry has always been one of my passions outside the ring, and as far as the camp, they’re already expecting about 300 kids, so I can’t wait to give back.”

Ryan Maquiñana writes a weekly column for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (CSNBayArea.com). He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and Ring Magazine’s Ratings Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com , check out his blog at norcalboxing.net or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.