Paul Smith Offers His Support To David Price

By Terence Dooley

Liverpool’s Paul Smith has spent more time commentating on fights than fighting in recent years, which has been a frustrating yet, in his view, educational experience as his role as an analyst has improved his boxing brain.  Smith recently returned to action after a seventh-mouth break when regaining the British Super middleweight title courtesy of a thrilling sixth-round RSF win over city rival Tony Dodson on June 29.  He then called David Price’s shocking fifth-round loss to Tony Thompson for BoxNation the following Saturday.

Although he prefers calling the shots inside the ring, Smith enjoys his media work.  “Yeah, definitely, it was frustrating, but it has helped me a lot with the boxing because I see a lot more things now,” he said when telling BoxingScene that it was tough to call fights during the lean spell that came to an end with the win over Dodson at the Bolton Arena.

“I’m not afraid to voice my opinion and nail my colours to the mast.  If I can see something that’s wrong then I’m not afraid to say so.  It’s great because we do that in our gym.  I’ll spar then talk to [trainer] Joe [Gallagher], then go along the ropes and speak to our Liam or Scott Quigg or any of the lads.  It’s good to have knowledgeable people around me.”

Smith’s win over Dodson has given him a host of options.  Prior to the fight, there was talk of it being a retirement match, with the loser left with nowhere to go.  Smith, though, produced his best performance for years.

“There was a lot of pressure on me for that fight,” he admitted.  “A lot of people were adding pressure by saying it was ‘last chance saloon’ and all that bollocks, so I thought I’d show them that I’ve got a hell of a lot left.  After the fight, they were saying I have got a good few years left.  I’m only 30.  I haven’t had wars or fights where I’m up and down.  The pressure was on me, but it was a pressure to show people what I can do.  I controlled that and the nerves.  I didn’t burn energy and everything was right.  I was happy.

“I knew what I can do.  I can control my nerves, I’ve learned how to do that now and Emma [James, a Psychological Sport Performance Specialist who works with Smith and Brian Rose, amongst others] has helped me out a lot with the feelings you have before, during and after the fight, so there’s techniques there.  I’m confident anyway, but recommend Emma James to anyone because those little doubts can creep in.

“Training and the physical side is only half the battle.  Look at [David] Price the other day.  He was physically right, but the pressure and the nerves came into it and made him tire that bit quicker.  Pricey can do 12-rounds in sparring — with three different sparring partners as well — so there’s no way that that fight was down to fitness.  There’s a lot of mental pressure and mental energy gets eaten away.  That’s a complex side of the game, so I go and see Emma.”

Smith got caught up in Price’s fifth-round TKO loss to Tony Thompson last weekend.  Indeed, the 168lber almost had a “Get in there, Frank” moment when Price floored Thompson with a right hand in round two.  However, it turned out to be the beginning of the end for the 6’ 8’’ heavyweight prospect, who tried to take Thompson out only to pay the price a few rounds later, which led to speculation over Price’s stamina and the suggestion that he is burning too much nervous energy prior to his fights.

“Talk about him packing it in is just daft,” stated Smith, 33-3 (19).  “Heavyweights don’t develop until a lot later in their career.  He’s got the physical attributes, he just has to work on the mental side — get everything right.  I read he said he might do some eight rounders up and down the country.  That’s right — get away from Liverpool for a bit because there’s a lot of pressure on you here.

“Liverpool’s a great city, but because it’s such a great city the people say: ‘You’re our heavyweight chance and we’re going to get behind you’.  That’s just because they all want him to do well.  It’s added pressure on a fight.  We can’t moan about it because the fans are behind us one million percent, but there are so many hopes resting on you, especially if you’re the heavyweight star.  David feels that pressure and support, from the Red [Liverpool FC fans] and Blue [Everton FC fans] side of the city, and will be worried about letting anyone down.

“Just forget about everyone else.  Be a Klistchko, say you’re going to have great fights then don’t — just go in there and box.  Get yourself right mentally, see someone like Emma to train your mind as well as your body and make sure you’re right in both ways when you get into the ring.”

He added: “There’s also the promotional thing.  [Frank] Maloney’s signed to BoxNation through David Price.  No disrespect to Maloney and his fighters, but no one would offer a TV deal unless Price is involved — Price is the star.  That’s a lot of pressure to add to David.”

Prior to signing off to enjoy a sunny Friday afternoon, Smith offered a final message of support for his fellow Scouser.  “I want to be here for him if he needs to speak,” he said.  “I’d tell him to have a good rest.  Talk to your family and the people around you and move on from there.”

Smith’s advice wouldn’t fall on deaf ears, he’s been there, done that and bought a t-shirt bearing the slogan: ‘I put my heart and soul into boxing and all I got was written off after a few defeats’.  Price has supported the city of Liverpool, and its boxers, and now the favour is going to be returned — they’re that type of people.

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