Matchroom Boxing is well known for producing some of British boxing’s most memorable nights, and Smith vs Fielding looks to be well worth the wait. Here’s five reasons why you should blow off any Saturday night plans you may already have and tune in to Sky Sports.
1. Smith vs Fielding is a City Derby!
Derby matches always spark serious interest from sports fans, and boxing is no exception. Like the ‘Battle of Hull’ between Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle, the ‘Battle of Merseyside’ is set to fuel great enthusiasm from Liverpool supporters and travelling fight fans alike.
Whether you’re pro Callum Smith or Rocky Fielding, you can guarantee an electric atmosphere at the Echo Arena. A roaring crowd, two top-drawer fighters yet to taste defeat – what more could you ask for in a Saturday night fight?
2. The Victor Will Be Geared Toward a World Title
Without doubt. Although the British Super Middleweight title will be on the line in this 12-rounder, that accolade seems a little out of place. It’s a fine title to acquire, granted, but really, these men are well above British standard by now.
Smith and Fielding, both ranked in all major sanctioning bodies’ Top 10s, have already conquered some fairly big names, in style, and are yet to peak. Smith is already ranked No.1 by the WBC, meaning that, in theory (should he be victorious on Saturday), he’s next in line to challenge champ Badou Jack.
3. Two Unbeaten Top Prospects With a Lot to Lose
Did I mention these guys are unbeaten? Well, they are. And though unbeaten records can be a smokescreen in the sport, who can resist a scrap between two men whose records are yet to be blemished?
Neither man has defeated what you’d describe as a bona fide 168-pound threat so far, but their accomplishments demand respect, nonetheless. Smith, 25, has conquered the likes of Abraham Hernandez (TKO 3), Nikola Sjekloca (UD 12), and the tenacious Christopher Rebrasse (UD 12) in June.
Fielding is no chump, either, having conquered talents such as Luke Blackledge (TKO 1), Noe Gonzalez Alcoba (TKO 5), and tough customer Brian Vera (TKO 2) in June.
4. Resumes Suggest a Knockout Victory
Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding not only possess great variety in their work, they’re also solid punchers. Smith likely has the edge in the power, having taken out 12 of his 17 victims inside the distance, with crunching body assaults being just part of his repotior.
Fielding may be the lighter puncher on paper with 12 KOs in 21 fights, but only a fool would overlook the 28-year-old’s dynamite. This guy can punch, as he demonstrated recently against Brian Vera, blasting out the durable veteran in two brutal rounds.
Short of a knockout, it wouldn’t be reaching to foresee a 12 round war unfolding. And yes, probably littered with a few knockdowns along the way.
5. Fights Like Smith vs Fielding Don’t Come Along Often
OK, fights between unbeatens do happen, but rarely between fighters of this calibre. Unless my memory is failing me terribly today, the last British dustup between two top-tier prospects was DeGale vs Groves back in 2011. Which, you know, was quite some time ago.
Smith and Fielding may not be Amateur standouts like DeGale and Groves, but it hardly seems to matter. Despite that fact, Smith and Fielding are already ranked in the Top 10 WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF rankings after building a combined record of just 38 fights.
In a world where business often interferes with must-see domestic scraps, a high-risk high-reward fight like this cannot be missed!
Who are you picking in this hotly contested encounter, boxing fans? Betting favorite Callum Smith? Or Rocky Fielding?
