‘IT’S all in the mind’.
That is the message from Paul Smith as he bids to defend his British super-middleweight title against Tony Dodson on Friday night.
But as confidently as the ‘Real Gone Kid’ professes mental strength over 12 rounds at the Echo Arena will be the deciding factor, he admits to being only a late convert to the theory.
Smith took the Lonsdale Belt from the grip of Tony Quigley last October when winning a split decision, claiming the fight swung in his favour from the bell at the start of the 10th.
October’s win was the first time Smith (28-1) had gone beyond 10 rounds in his professional career and likewise, when Dodson lost by technical knockout to Quigley in March last year for the then vacant British strap, it was the furthest the ‘Garston Warrior’ had fought.
Smith therefore believes he has the edge and says his opponent’s attempts at verbal sparring are wasted.
Smith said: “This fight is about mentality, it is all in your head whether you can do 12 rounds.
“Even if you think you are the fittest person in the world after all your gym work, getting in the ring and doing it is another thing.
“The championship rounds are what won me the fight against Quigley and they were what lost it for Dodson against the same opponent.
“Dodson got stopped in the 12th whereas I still had something left in the tank and was stronger and quicker going into the last round and that is what won me the fight.”
Smith took to the Bridge Road Gym in Litherland yesterday for a media workout and in pad work as well as interview, ‘Smigga’ cut a relaxed yet focused figure.
“I feel good, my training has gone the same as the last fight. I used to laugh at people who said boxing is all in the mind, I used to say ‘no chance’. But it is, so what is the point in me getting all worked up and nervous for a fight which is three days away. I don’t want to waste energy on not being able to sleep and all that. I sleep like a baby and rest up all day so there is no point in sitting talking and having slanging matches about what I can’t control until fight night.”
Smith’s maiden defence of the Lonsdale belt is the headlining fight of an undercard packed with local, as well as international, talent.
Liverpool’s Tony Bellew bids to win the Commonwealth light-heavyweight strap whilst Kell Brook goes for WBO International welterweight glory.
l For tickets call 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com.
