Boxing: Smith aiming to uphold family name - and much more

Oct 23 2007 By David Randles, Daily Post

THERE are much more than family bragging rights at stake for Stephen Smith as the World Championships get underway today (Tuesday 23).

The Rotunda featherweight has matched older brother Paul with schoolboy, junior and senior ABA titles before surpassing his 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medal with gold in Melbourne last year.

Should ‘Swifty’ take to the podium in Chicago at the end of next week, however, he will ensure his good family name and boxing are etched into World Championship history forever.

"If I win a medal here I'll be only the fourth ever Englishman to do so," Smith told the Daily Post.

"Plus, I’d be the only ever Englishman to medal at both the World and European Championships, never mind a Commonwealth gold too.

"In that sense, it’s definitely a bit more than just bragging rights!"

As the first of three Olympic qualifying tournaments, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Smith and the Elite England squad.

However, with over 100 amateur bouts under his belt, the British number one has been there, done it and worn the head guard and vest.

"The experience I’ve gained boxing across the world helps a lot as I know how to get into the right frame of mind and try not to worry too much," says Smith.

"The atmosphere is similar to the Commonwealth’s in many ways. There is that same kind of buzz between the lads. Just this time, I know it’s a lot bigger and a hell of a lot harder.

"The World’s are tough anyway, but the fact these are an Olympic qualifier makes this year’s tournament so massive."

After adding European bronze to his Commonwealth gold last year, Smith has a good idea of some of his potential opponents in Chicago, including the World number one at his weight, Russia’s Albert Selimov, who beat him in the semi-finals in Bulgaria.

This time, however, a last eight finish will earn him a place in Beijing and Smith is keen to grab it at the first time of asking.

"The main dangerman in my weight is Selimov," he confirms.

"He beat me in the European’s last year and went on to win the gold. He is currently ranked as the best in the world at 57kg.

"There are two more qualifiers after Chicago, one in Italy and one in Greece but I think this is my chance now.

"If I qualify here, I can come home and relax and look forward to it Beijing. But until I qualify, the pressure is huge."

* The 2007 AIBA World Championships run between 23rd October - November 3rd.