Memphis, TN- Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith(21-4) will keep his streak of challenging the best opposition alive when he goes toe to toe with middleweight prospect and NABO champion Fernando Guerrero(18-0) at the DeSoto Civic Center In Memphis, TN on July 16 on Showtime. Smith will again move up to middleweight to meet the hard hitting Guerrero. Smith will be fighting above his primary weight of 154 lbs, but the Former Contender star has put forth exceptional performances in the middleweight class. Smith will be making his fifth appearance on Showtime, a network which he has compiled a 4-0 record on, the last appearance being a dominating performance over then undefeated Pawel Wolak in 2008..
“It’s a network I call home, I’m 4-0 there and excited to head back” said Smith.
Guerrero is 18-0 with 15 knockouts, but faces his toughest test in Smith, who has never touched the canvas, much less been stopped in his professional or amateur career. Smith’s last bout at middleweight came with a gutsy effort against undefeated Danny Jacobs in 2009, while Guerrero picked up a knockout win over Mike Walker earlier this year. Although inactive in 2010 thus far, Smith served as Floyd Mayweather’s primary sparring partner in preparation for Shane Mosley this Spring, and says he feels prepared to take on the big stage once again, whatever the weight may be.
“160 will not be a problem this time around, It’s going to be a beautiful thing. Fernando Guerrero is all we are focused on right now.” Smith noted.
Also on the card will be undefeated Shawn Porter, and Olympian Gary Russell Jr. Tickets go on sale Saturday June 5 and can be purchased at the DeSoto Civic Center ticket office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Ishe Smith turned professional in 2000, and has captured NABO, WBC Continental, and USBA welterweight titles. Becoming a household name by participating in NBC’s The Contender in 2005, Smith has since appeared on national television numerous times.
Along with holding several marquee victories Smith has also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Fernando Vargas, Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya as a sparring partner. Smith is based out of boxing’s capital city of Las Vegas, Nevada.