Exclusive Interview With Ishe Smith

Photo: GaryShawProductions.com

By Ed Ludwig

23.04 - Today I had the pleasure of speaking with undefeated Welterweight prospect Ishe Smith (10-0 6 KO's). The native of Las Vegas will be taking a big step up in competition as he is set to face veteran Sam Garr (32-6 28 KO's) in a ten round battle this Thursday in Gulfport Mississippi. This will be the co-feature to the Diego Corrales vs. Felix St. Kitts bout and both will be televised on the ShoBox series at 11pm EST on Showtime. This interview will be the first in a series that I have planned to showcase talented boxers that receive little attention in the media. The future of the sport begins at the grass roots level and not having a multi million-dollar promotional contract is no reason to ignore the stars of tomorrow. I would like to thank Ishe for taking the time to speak with Eastside Boxing.

Ed Ludwig: How did training camp go in preparation for Sam Garr?

Ishe Smith: It was great. I trained hard and everything went well. My weight is perfect and I feel that I am in the best shape of my life.

EL: Sam Garr is a pretty big step up in competition for you this early in your career. What do you expect from him on Thursday?

IS: I'm not expecting much. I have sparred a lot and I spar like I fight. I'm more concerned with what I'm going to do and not what he is going to do. I want to put on a good performance.

EL: Sam Garr is a seasoned veteran so I was wondering if you have any concerns at all or do you approach it like any other fight?

IS: I approach it like any other fight. Garr has lost to Chris Smith and I don't think much of him and he has lost to Danny Perez plus he went the distance with James Page and I don't think much of him and I wouldn't really call Garr a seasoned veteran. He has had a lot of fights but never pulled out the big win.

EL: You had an excellent amateur record with 100 wins in 117 fights. What were some of the highlights for you?

IS: Making it to the 1996 Olympic trials. I lost to Zab Judah in the semi-finals by a very close decision. I had a very good amateur career.

EL: You fought Hector Camacho Jr. three times in the amateurs and meeting him again as a pro is something I assume you would want?

IS: Oh yes, definitely. I feel the last fight we had they jobbed me. In the first fight it was close and I gained the decision and in the second fight I went in with the mentality of knocking him out and I caught him but couldn't get it done. There was no doubt that the third fight was mine.

EL: There has never been a Las Vegas born world champion. What would achieving that goal mean to you?

IS: I have lived here my whole life and I love Vegas and it's a part of me. It's a breath of fresh air here. I would like to help the city grow in terms of a sports city. Winning the title would mean a lot to me.

EL: DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley and Zab Judah are two big names that you fought in the amateurs and you hold a victory over Corley. They are slated to meet this summer. Who do you see winning?

IS: I think Zab is going to beat him. He is more talented and a better puncher. The only question I have is if Zab can take Corley's punch but overall I think Zab is the better fighter.

EL: You are making your climb up the ranks very quietly. Will that help you whereas other former amateur stars like Francisco Bojado and Ricardo Williams sign huge contracts and fail to live up to expectations?

IS: Those guys aren't dedicated like me. If you don't give one hundred percent you will lose and I am very dedicated ever since my amateur days. Should I lose I don't want any excuses. I love the sport and give it everything I have and I want to be able to provide for my wife and child and if you dedicate yourself to the sport good things will happen.

EL: Was laziness a factor in Williams surprising loss a few months back?

IS: I think it might have been money. If you give a guy 1.5 million for a signing bonus he is not going to work that hard. Williams is a great fighter but I think he got caught up in the hype. Too much at such a young age but I know he will learn from this.

EL: Do you approach every opponent the same regardless of who it is?

IS: Regardless of my opponents I approach everyone the same way. I am very dedicated and sometimes during training camp my coach tells me to slow down and take it easy. Prior to every fight I keep a logbook and write down how many miles I have run, rounds sparred etc. I set personal goals before each fight and I am very dedicated to the sport and never take anything for granted.

EL: Can over training pose a problem for some people?

IS: It sure can if you don't have a good team to tell you to slow down. After training I go home, rest and have a good meal and that helps me out a lot. Having good people surrounding you is very important.

EL: Your thoughts on two young and highly publicized fighters, Kermit Cintron and Miguel Cotto?

IS: Cintron is the guy I really want to fight and I don't think he is a killer nor do I think much of him. As for Cotto I hope he comes down to 135. He talks about Floyd Mayweather and he will never beat him. Some prospects I like are Mohamad Abdulaev, Rocky Juarez and Clarence Vinson. Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy are good too.

EL: How has life been for you since signing with Gary Shaw?

IS: It's been great working with Gary Shaw. From the moment I met him I knew from his presence that I was in good hands. I am a Christian and I trust him and my matchmaker Brad Goodman. I am very fortunate and I look forward to a long working relationship with them.

EL: Being a native of Las Vegas is fighting outside your hometown a nice change for you?

IS: Yes it really is but I love Las Vegas and enjoy it here so I don't want to be gone for long.

EL: During your two-year absence prior to turning pro what did you do?

IS: I worked and wanted to be a kid. Mentally I was not ready to turn pro. I had dedicated my life to making the Olympics, graduate high school and go to college and take some business courses. I lived a young and hectic life. It was all boxing and no parties or anything like that. When I didn't make the Olympic team I went on to graduate from high school and took a break from boxing. During that time I met my wife and found god. Taking the break was good and having the wisdom to do so made a big difference.

EL: Who is your inspiration and what drives you to be the best?

IS: My wife and son. I have been through a lot in my life and god has kept me alive. I have a purpose and I want to do the best I can for my wife and son. My family and god keep me together.

EL: Have you thought about life after boxing?

IS: Definitely. My wife has some ideas for opening up some businesses so I want to help her with that and I plan to stay involved with boxing and work with kids.

EL: Any final words?

IS: Be prepared for a great show on April 24th. I am in great shape and I'm going to give it all I got.

EL: Thank you very much for your time and best of luck on Thursday.

IS: Thank you and I will talk to you soon.

Questions Or Comments: ed.ludwig@eastsideboxing.com