By Luis Sandoval
When Erislandy Lara pulled out of a scheduled May 2nd fight against Ishe Smith in order to secure a more lucrative fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in July, Smith and his team understood. They realized it’s the nature of the business and if they were in Lara’s shoes, they admit they would’ve done the same thing.
Middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado however wasn’t so understanding when his offer to step in to face Smith was dismissed. A back and forth on social media between both fighters ensued as Rosado took offense to being considered desperate for a fight by Smith.
Rosado retaliated with some unpleasant things about Smith and when BoxingScene caught up with Ishe, he was asked if he could address and clarify the whole situation.
“The way I feel about it is this: every time he gets an opportunity, he’s talking bad about me. Whether it’s how I fought or this or that. But did he win in 2013? Did he win one fight? Alright, when is the last time you think he won because he lost the J’Leon [Love] fight but it got overturned to a no decision. I think that was last May right? What does he do for my career? He hasn’t done anything. What does he do? He talks a good game but every time I look at him, he’s losing” said Smith.
Smith says he wants to fight the best fighters and regain his world title that he lost last September against Carlo Molina. For him, Rosado doesn’t fit the mold as he feels fighting Rosado would be a step in the wrong direction.
“I said [to Leonard Ellerbe] to go get me Lara. He said that’s what you want to do? I said absolutely. I want to fight the best. September wasn’t me. I want to prove to the fans and the world and definitely to myself that, that wasn’t me in September. I know I’m better than that. He said okay, I can make it happen. So if I’m asking for Lara, why am I going to take 10 steps back and [Rosado] ain’t won a fight since what, 2011? His best performance was a decision that got overturned? So he can sit and call me out all he want to.” Ishe would tell BoxingScene.
Smith says Rosado’s offer was never even presented to him as his team already has a plan in place for his next couple fights. Ishe’s quest to regain a world title will continue but it will not involve fighting Gabriel Rosado.
“[Rosado], Keep doing your thing, keep getting cut, keep losing fights and keep being the people’s champ. I’m just going to keep making money and keep going after championships because that’s what I’m focused on” said Smith.
Smith will face Ryan Davis and look to score a world title opportunity in his next fight. He was training extremely hard for Lara and the intensity hasn’t changed even though he opponent has.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007.
