Boxing showdown

Smith vs. Fowler: Merseyside mega fight that means more than titles

Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith will meet Anthony Fowler this weekend at the M&S Bank arena, in Liverpool with local pride and world title ambitions on the line. By DANIEL BALL

Derbies in any sport are somewhat special. They usually add spice to any fixture, however we usually expect a derby to be reserved for team sports. This is not the case here, Smith (29-3-1 16 KO) and Fowler (15-1 12 KO) represented the two most prolific amateur gyms in the city; golden gloves and rotunda. and it very much appears that the rivalry has carried over into this weekend’s all scouse Light-middleweight clash.

Liam Smith, the middle brother of one of Britain’s most famous boxing families has made his intentions clear, he believes this is another night’s work and in some ways a step down from what he is used to.

“Beating Anthony Fowler doesn’t get me any closer to fighting for a world title in my career. I don’t say that as if I’m overlooking him,” he said. “Anybody above me isn’t going to look on paper and think, ‘Wow, Liam Smith beat Anthony Fowler in the UK’.”

It could be argued he has a valid argument, a former world champion that has quite literally been in with the pound for pound best; Canelo Alvarez. Smith however did lose his last fight and previous to that his last shot at a world title.

For Smith, he wants a statement victory, he does not simply want to become the gate keeper of the division:” I’ve never lost to a domestic fighter as a pro. I’ll beat Anthony Fowler; I’ll never lose to a domestic fighter. That’s a good little record to have.”

Anthony Fowler has had an interesting path to this fight, he has recovered well since his loss to domestic rival Scott Fitzgerald.

He has won his last six following that defeat and looks to be past his early stumble, he believes he is now a much more well rounded fighter: “I’m as big and strong as anybody in the weight. Obviously, I haven’t got the experience, but I hit as hard as anyone.” However in some aspects

I’m as big and strong as anybody in the weight ... I hit as hard as anyone

’

Fowler does acknowledge this is somewhat make or break for him as a professional fighter, turning professional relatively late Fowler knows he needs to take these risks to crack it on the world stage: I can’t sit around and wait for these fights that aren’t getting made so I need to roll the dice. I’m confident, I’m at my peak, my best and I’ll be at my best come fight night.”

The corners of each fighter will play a vital role in the bout and like in any high-level fight it is fine margins that decide the result. Some believe that it is the corners that will decide this fight; Shane Mcguigan in Fowler’s corner is considered one of British boxing brightest minds while for this fight Smith has a rather unknown quantity in his corner; local trainer Joe McNally.

This is after a split with long time trainer Joe Gallagher. I Spoke with fan run twitter/punditry account Boxing Kingdom to gather their thoughts and prediction on the fight, they echoed the importance of the corners.

When asked for a prediction I was told in a rather straightforward manner: “Fowler in four.” With the reason being simple: “Shane Mcguigan”. They expanded: “He is the best trainer in the game tactic wise along with Peter Fury.”

The former trainer and Uncle of British heavyweight great Tyson Fury. And in regard to what happens to Fowler if he loses this fight and whether his world title ambitions are over Boxing Kingdom told me: “Possibly, However he has still got one fight left on his contract left with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom regardless.”