Middleweight boxer prepares for national title
BOXER Joe Smith, of Caerau Ely ABC, has high hopes of winning the Welsh Senior Boxing Championship commencing this weekend.
Joe, 23, would make history for his club as their first gold medallist at the tournament should he win this year’s middleweight title, and the young fighter is relishing the challenge.
“I’d be over the moon; it would put me on the right path to where I want to be. Being the first would be great. I’m feeling confident and I’m right up there with a chance,” he said.
By his side is father and trainer John Smith, who has been a constant driving force behind his son’s career. John, alongside gym owner Mark Atkins, has been putting Joe through his paces throughout camp.
Pushing their prodigy to his limits twice a day, six days a week is a formula John believes will pay dividends come fight night.
“He’s got a big future ahead of him. He’s matured over the last couple of years and is working hard. He will be deadly in every round not just the first as a result.
“I believe he’s the best middleweight in England and Wales and that’s not just because I’m his dad,” said John Smith.
In 2018, Joe reached the tournament’s final losing on points to Jamie Evans of Dowlais ABC. Since then, he has been in great form, winning five of his last six and defeating five-time Welsh champion Levi Griffiths in his last outing.
Among his many notable wins includes a victory over Joe Calzaghe Jr., the eldest son of boxing legend Joe Calzaghe.
As a lifelong resident of Caerau, Joe hopes to inspire the people of his community.
“Being an inspiration to the community is nice, I do get a lot of respect from everyone, everyone knows I box, it’s nice. Hopefully, kids can look up to that and in the future if I do well, hopefully, they will want to join and jump on the boxing scene from a young age,” said Joe Smith.
The championship will be held from November 13 to November 27. For Joe to be crowned champion, he must win a preliminary bout, quarter-final and semi-final before competing in the final on November 26 at the Sport Wales National Centre.
The club is also sending Morgan Rogers and Ellis Cummings to compete.
- A full list of dates and venues can be found on the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association’s website found here.
