Smith sees off Gutierrez on ESPN2

Antwone Smith added another scalp to his rising ledger last Friday night as he impressively handled perennial contender Richard Gutierrez by 10 round decision at the recently renovated Fontainbleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida.

Smith is a kid out of the Miami area that has suffered a few early blemishes as a  pro but has kept up very busy schedule that is now beginning to pay dividends. Smith, now 22, turned pro at the tender age of 19 and is quickly turning into a guy that fights like a grizzled veteran yet with the benefits of youth, speed and enthusiasm. He was pretty much under most people’s radar but since a draw with Nassar Athumani in 2008, Smith has reeled off 7 straight wins against some serviceable opposition.

This fight against Gutierrez, who has mixed some excellent competition, represented a big step up in class for Smith. And I’d have to agree with that. After all, Gutierrez gave current title holder Joshua Clottey a very close and tough fight.  And he gave rising junior middleweight contender Alfredo Angulo a scare before succumbing under pressure the 5^th round. Gutierrez has always been a guy that could easily handle second tier opposition and was just on a the precipice of making it into the upper echelon of contenders. But after a disappointing draw with veteran spoiler Jerome Ellis, Gutierrez chose Smith to begin to get his career back on track.

But Smith had other ideas and was ready for Gutierrez. Smith was a slight underdog in his fight but many figured Gutierrez to be a bit too strong and battle tested for the youngster. Many viewed Smith as a guy with some talent and ability but someone that really hasn’t developed his man strength yet and would likely be roughed up by the rugged Gutierrez.

But after a close two rounds, Smith began to separate himself from Gutierrez.  And he seemed to dominate in every way. He was the busier and sharper guy and he was often able to push Gutierrez back and unload with fast combinations. Smith also displayed a better defense and despite suffering a nasty cut about his left eye, he merely swiped away the blood and kept working. 

There was one point late in the fight when the ref called a  time out for the doctor to look at the cut. Smith knew that he was ahead and that the cut was ruled to be caused by a head butt. Smith could have gone for the easy way out and said ‘I can’t see’ and walked out with an 8^th round technical decision. But he calmly said he was fine and that he wanted to continue. And he thanked the doctor for letting him carry on by giving a him a playful tap on the head with his glove. Well, Smith proceeded to dominate the final two rounds of the fight and seemed to take nearly all the fight out Gutierrez.

Smith, in my view displayed a professionalism and steadiness that belied his age.  Not only during the fight but before and after the contest. I was struck how Smith looked very business like during his ring introductions. He didn’t mug for the camera. Instead he remained focused, understanding the task that lay ahead of him.  And after he won, while very pleased, he remained collected and professional, understanding that this win is just another rung up the ladder with much more to accomplish down the road.

Smith seems to have good natural abilities that he is expounding on by staying very busy and keeping himself in the gym.  He seems very solid in all aspects of boxing; he’s got skills, speed and some respectable power. He doesn’t really have one trait that stands out as they seem to flow well together.

But if there was one thing special about him, it was his poise. He was fighting in his biggest fight, with quite a handicap with his continually bleeding cut. But Smith remained unflappable and every round was the same as the previous round. And that was good, because Smith mostly outfought and out worked Gutierrez throughout. Lastly, I was impressed with Smith’s conditioning. He never seemed to labor or get tired. He was breathing in a relaxed manner though his noise which indicates excellent fitness.

I backed Smith in this fight based on the abilities and coupled with the fact that I viewed Gutierrez as a declining fighter while I knew Smith’s stock was, and still is, on the rise. I’m looking for forward to Smith’s next outing. And I say he’s worth a look to those that haven’t seen him yet.