Verona, New York – WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith (28-3, 23 KOs) made the first defense of his title with a ninth round stoppage of Steve Geffrard (16-3, 12 KOs).
Geffrard took the fight on very late notice – after original opponent Callum Johnson tested positive for COVID-19.
Smith out firing in the first round, pressing forward and letting his hands go on Geffrard, who had a high guard and was looking to counter. There were plenty of jabs for Geffrard, but they weren’t doing much damage.
The second started the same, with Smith coming out firing from the start with big shots. Geffrard continued to hold a high guard and looked for counter while jabbing. In the third, it was a match of jabs. Smith landed several hard hooks. During the fourth there was another big offensive by Smith in the final minute after Geffrard did well at the start.
Smith seemed to rock Geffrard in the final minute of the fifth and unloaded with numerous punches. In the sixth and seventh, Smith was breaking him down with hard punches to the head and body. After landing a lot of shots in the eight, Smith finally dropped him down in the ninth – with Geffrard’s corner waiving off the fight.
MORE DETAILS TO COME…………..