Las Vegas, NV- While Dmitry Pirog (17-0 14 ko’s) is slated to make his first middleweight title defense this March in Russia, Ishe Smith (22-5 20 ko’s) has made it clear he would be open and willing to traveling across seas to take on the WBO world champion.
Pirog captured the WBO middleweight world title last Summer when he delivered a sensational knockout of then undefeated Daniel Jacobs. Pirog’s team believes Smith, who gave Jacobs all he could handle in 2009, would present an intriguing challenge in a voluntary title defense.
“ I think you have to look at guys like Joppy, Ronald Hearns, and Ricardo Mayorga getting world title shots, I don’t think I’m any less deserving than any of them” the Las Vegas native noted.
Smith had an overall impressive 2010, losing a unanimous decision to undefeated Fernando Guerrero in July, but doing enough to earn the victory in the minds of the broadcasters and fans across the nation. Smith also stayed busy with a second round knockout of Alexander Quiroz in November. While both sides seem ready and willing to meet in March, the bout would require approval from the WBO, an organization Smith says he holds in high regard.
“I had the NABO welterweight title at one point, and have always held the WBO in high regard so with that said it would be an honor to fight for the WBO middleweight title” Smith stated.
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, and is coached by world renowned trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.