Firsts and Lasts with Paul Smith Jnr by Kevin Taylor Mar 14th 2008

In the first of a new feature we will look at some first and lasts in boxer's careers, the first person to appear is unbeaten English middleweight champion and contender star, Paul Smith Jnr. Paul had a great amateur career beating Martin Concepcion to win the ABA light-middleweight title in 2002, before going on to get a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, losing to Jean Pascal 18-16 in the final. At the time of writing Smith is 23-0 as a pro having beaten Cello Renda to win the English title last weekend (8th March) Paul's first fight was in 1994 in Blackburn, aged 11, he fought Gavin Lancaster from Whitehaven and won in the first round by stoppage. "I loved every second of it, knew I wanted to do that for good." First trained by Jimmy (Albo) Albertina. First club - The Famous Rotunda ABC in Liverpool (my only club). Last fight as an Amateur - against Andre Direll, in Liverpool in November 2002. First fight as a pro - Howard Clarke - April 2003 - won on points over four rounds in Manchester. First Purse - haha. £3000 plus tickets. First title won - Amateur - Schools ABA in 1997 aged 14. Pro - Central Area Middleweight. First thing you do when you get to the Arena - Argue with the security over a wristband or something stupid like that. Then walk to my dressing room and relax. Last thing you do before entering the ring - Pray. Last boxing show you attended - As a participant - Haye vs Maccarinelli as a spectator one in the Olympia in Liverpool.

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paul smith is the future! Mar 15th 2008, 13:10:56 by tommy gunn i think this is a great article and shows real insight into a boxers life and preparation! i also think the subject of this article has a huge future in front of him and cant wait to see him representing liverpool in world title fights! keep it up paul!