Defeat to Andre Ward Leaves Paul Smith with Plenty to Ponder

In the end, Paul Smith couldn’t pull off a shock win over Andre Ward. Now, in the immediate aftermath of defeat, it might mean it is the end of the line for his boxing career.

Despite 19 months of inactivity, despite giving away several pounds after his opponent failed to make the catchweight limit originally agreed, Ward was simply too good on the night.

S.O.G. dominated from start to finish at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, showing no signs of any ring rust as he moved through the gears as the rounds passed by.

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

In the ninth he was so dominant that Smith’s corner decided enough was enough—with their man bloodied and bruised, they threw the towel in.

The Liverpudlian had always travelled to California in hope more than expectation, telling Sky Sports: “I must try my best to upset the apple cart and throw a spanner in the works.”

Yet the only real upset he caused came long before the first bell sounded.

For whatever reason, Smith did not make weight. The limit had been set at 172 pounds, yet he initially came in more than four pounds over that number.

As anyone who has travelled on an airline knows, the excess baggage always proves to be expensive, whether it is by choice or a legitimate mistake. The British fighter was hit hard in the pocket, and Ward—per Sky Sports—was not impressed: 

"

If he struggled that much with the weight he should have alerted us a long time ago. There could have been a change in the weight. If you wait until the last minute and then get on the scales—it's not a good look.

'It makes you think, "is this a strategy?" It doesn't make me more confident—it makes me more motivated.

I did my part to make the weight. He didn't and I feel a certain way about that.

"

Smith was given a new target: 181 pounds for a check weight on the morning of the fight. According to the same story from Sky Sports, he didn’t get under that number either, reportedly registering 184.4 pounds.

To put that in perspective, the limit for a light heavyweight is 175 pounds, while Smith had come in under 168 pounds for his previous bout, against super middleweight Arthur Abraham, in February.

The 32-year-old was fined for failing to make weight on two occasions, losing a percentage of his purse as a penalty. Dan Rafael of ESPN revealed exactly how much on Twitter:

"

Purses from Oakland: Ward $2 million, Smith $225k - $45k Cali weight fine - $15k for Sat weight check overage = $165k. #boxing #WardSmith

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) June 20, 2015"

Ward had queried out loud in his quotes after the weigh-in as to whether his rival had made a tactical decision to come in so heavy.

Gav Duthie of Boxing News 24 developed the theory, writing: “Smith is a very good inside fighter all be at domestic level so it’s possible he has watched Ward and wants to come in bigger and stronger."

Whatever the reason, the extra weight didn’t make any difference. If Smith hoped it would factor into his favour, he was wrong. If he had not conditioned his body for battle, it did not show.

Smith battled bravely, but was clearly out of his depth. There’s no disgrace in that, and in no way is it a criticism. Ward is undefeated as a professional and, prior to his lengthy absence from the ring, was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.

Smigga made it into the ninth round against Ward, though—per David Coldwell on Twitter—he might be left with the marks to prove it:

"

Looks like Paul had his nose broken that final round. #WardSmith

— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) June 21, 2015"

"

Always a tough task for @PaulSmithJnr as @andreward is such a smart, talented fighter. He got in there & took his lumps. That's #boxing

— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) June 21, 2015"

Now, Smith—the eldest of four boxing brothers—has to ask himself what else there is left to do in his career.

He is 32—not an age to suggest he’s washed up and finished—but the loss to Ward comes off the back of two failed attempts to take the WBO title from Abraham.

Previous losses to James DeGale and George Groves mean the former British super middleweight champion has been in with the majority of the leading names in the division.

Alexis Cuarezma/Getty Images

It would be a considerable step back to return to action at domestic or European level, while another challenge for a world belt isn’t going to happen in the near future.

DeGale is the current IBF champion and Abraham holds the WBO belt (Smith is not first in line to face either man again), while Badou Jack has the WBC title in his possession, the Swede is set to defend it for the first time against Groves, per Jeff Powell of the Daily Mail.

The WBA strap, meanwhile, is currently with Fedor Chudinov, but another Brit—Frank Buglioni—heads the queue to face the unbeaten Russian.

Speaking to Michelle Joy Phelps from Behind The Gloves, Hearn acknowledged that Smith’s next career move could be outside of the ring, rather than picking an opponent to face in it. The full interview with the promoter can be seen below:

Smith told David Anderson of the Mirror in September last year that he came close to calling it quits after being beaten by Groves in 2012, only to quickly realise he “still loved boxing” and had to carry on. 

That love may still burn within, and perhaps there’s a desire to keep on going in the pursuit of becoming a world champion.

But Smith—who has already built a reputation for his honest punditry during his times working in the media—has now had big fights to boost his bank balance (even after paying his fines for the Ward weigh-in) and can be extremely proud of what he has achieved.

No boxer wants to sign off on a losing note, but facing Ward on American soil is a great stage to bow out on.