Jesse Hart Returns; Possibly Against Joe Smith Jr!
Former world title contender Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (26-2, 21KO) will possibly face another former title contender in Joe Smith Jr (24-3, 20KO). This fight could take place sometime in near the future, according to legendary Top Rank CEO Bob Arum.
JESSE HART
Hart mostly campaigned at super middleweight throughout his career. Following two unsuccessful cracks at a title against former WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez, he has moved up to light heavyweight.
The migration lands him in one of the deepest talent pools in boxing.
The 30-year-old Philadelphia fighter moved up to pursue his nemesis in Ramirez and hopes for to challenge him to a third fight.
However, in his light heavyweight debut, he was supposed to test his mettle against former WBO champion Eleider Alvarez. He ultimately faced tough Cuban contender Sullivan Barrera when the former champion had to pull out.
Furthermore, the victory earned Hart fighter favorable ranking inside the top 10 with all four major sanctioning bodies.
JOE SMITH JR
Smith Jr’s career was quickly jump-started with two shocking victories in 2016 against Andrzej Fonfara and future Hall of Fame inductee Bernard Hopkins.
These surprising victories catapulted the New York brawler into potential star status within the boxing community. However in 2017, things would be derailed with a depleting loss to ironically the same Cuban Hart faced in Barrera.
Smith Jr hasn’t been very active since that defeat. He fought only once in both 2018 and 2019, going 1-1 in his last two fights.
The 30-year-old brawler is also coming off a loss after an unsuccessful title bid against Dmitry Bivol in March. Having seen his stock drop heavily, a victory is the only thing that can bring his career off life support.
THE MATCH-UP
This is a very intriguing fight with serious ramifications for the winner and a reality check for the loser. In essence, this has the potential of being a very good fan-friendly fight when you look at the optics.
Both men have a lot at stake in this semi-rival New York vs Philly fight. Each will undoubtedly come to fight. Coupled with the fact both have a high knockout ratio, this has the makings of a can’t-miss type of bout.
3kingsboxing will continue to follow this story and provide any further detail.
By: Garrisson Bland
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