Light-heavyweight contender Joe ‘The Beast’ Smith Jr. spent more than a decade as a union labourer on Long Island. He now owns and operates a tree service business, chopping and trimming trees when he’s not training.
After boxing at world level for almost five years, Smith will battle Russian veteran Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO light-heavyweight title on February 13. In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey will meet Dominican slickster Jackson Marinez.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Patriot Promotions, Smith-Vlasov and Commey-Marinez will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10pm ET/7pm PT in the US.
“This is Rocky IV come to life,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Joe Smith Jr. is boxing’s blue-collar hero, a relentless fighter who chops down trees outside the ring and chops down opponents when the lights are bright. Maxim Vlasov is a tough Russian who is going to meet Joe punch for punch in the centre of the ring. This will be an early contender for the 2021 ‘Fight of the Year’.”
DeGuardia added, “I am very confident that Joe Smith Jr. will be the new WBO world champion, but I also know that Maxim Vlasov is a strong and seasoned fighter who also wants to become champion. It will make for a great night of boxing on ESPN. Kudos to the WBO for recognizing Joe’s talents and mandating this fight, and to Bob Arum and Top Rank for their continued excellence during this pandemic.”
Smith (26-3, 21 KOs) is best known for sending the legendary Bernard Hopkins through the ropes and into retirement in 2016, but a world title has thus far proven elusive after a unanimous decision loss to WBA champion Dmitry Bivol in March 2019.
Smith said: “I have worked very hard to get a second opportunity at a world title. I feel I have improved and, on February 13, I am going to make my dream come true and become world champion.”
Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs), a 15-year professional, added: “This is a great chance and perhaps my last opportunity to finally become a world champion. Smith is a strong and relentless fighter, so I expect a very serious challenge.”