VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 13, 2022) — WBO light heavyweight world champion JOE SMITH JR. met with late replacement STEVE GEFFRARD for the first time today at the official press conference ahead Smith’s first WBO World Championship title defense on Saturday night (Jan. 15) at Turning Stone Resort Casino and LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Mark Shonuck kicked off the presser discussing with Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA about the mad dash that occurred after Smith Jr’s original opponent, Callum Johnson tested positive for COVID-19. “It was a crazy process” said DeGuardia. “The one shining light out of it all was these two [Smith and Geffrard], because we went through literally over a dozen fighters, and guys were turning it down left and right…finally after about the eighth guy, [Smith] said listen Joe, whoever you put in there I don’t care, I’m fighting, just go make a deal.”
Smith spoke next, describing what it means to be making his first title defense, “I am extremely happy to be here. There was a couple of moments where I didn’t think I would be here today. I can’t wait for Saturday.”
Finally, Geffrard took to the mic to describe his mindset going into Saturday night, “At the end of the day, I’m a fighter. Especially with an opportunity like this I am going to rise to the occasion. I keep telling myself, I am going to show the world what Steve Geffrard is all about.”
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Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at
Ticketmaster.