It's not the opponent Joe Smith Jr. desired for his first title defense, but it's the one he's getting on Saturday, Jan. 15 when he puts the WBO light heavyweight title on the line against Steve Geffrard from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Last April, Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) won the first world championship of his career, defeating Maxim Vlasov via majority decision. The 32-year-old was scheduled to face Umar Salamov in October. Unfortunately, Smith came down with COVID. Then it got rescheduled for next weekend. But Salamov could not obtain a visa from his native Russia and was forced to pull out. Then, former 175-pound title challenger Callum Johnson was chosen as the replacement. But Johnson pulled out this past week due to contracting COVID. So now, Geffrard stepped up to the plate with a golden opportunity.
"I give Steve credit for taking this fight on short notice,” Smith said in a press release. “He is a tough guy, and I expect him to bring everything he has for this opportunity. I'm ready to fight regardless of who is in the ring with me. My goal is the same, which is to defend my world title and keep it on Long Island where it belongs."
Geffrard's (18-2, 12 KOs) journey into boxing got off to a rough start, losing his first two fights. But he hung in there and is now riding an 18-fight winning streak into his most significant fight. He fought once in 2021, beating Denis Grachev by unanimous decision.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime," Geffrard said. "It’s crazy how boxing works. One moment I’m thinking about boxing on a local show, then the phone rings for a chance to fight for the WBO world title on ESPN. Unreal!”
On paper, Smith should have an easy time with Geffrard. But that's why they put on the gloves, step through the ropes and sling the leather.
Here is everything you need to know about Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffrard.
When is Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffrard? Date, start time
Date: Saturday, January 15
Main card: 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT
Main event ringwalks (approx): 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT
The main card gets underway at 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT with the main event ring walks set to take place at 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. GMT. As ever with fight cards, these timings are subject to change due to the length of the undercard fights.
What channel/stream is Smith vs. Geffrard?
United States: ESPN, ESPN+
United Kingdom: Sky Sports
Viewers in the United States can watch the fight on ESPN and is available via streaming on ESPN+. Those in the UK can watch the fight on Sky Sports.
Where is the Smith vs. Geffrard fight?
The fight will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Joe Smith Jr. record and bio
Nationality: American
Date of Birth: Sept. 20, 1989
Height: 6-0
Reach: 76"
Total Fights: 30
Record: 27-3 with 21 knockouts.
Steve Geffrard record and bio
Nationality: American
Date of Birth: N/A
Height: 6-2
Reach: N/A
Total Fights: 20
Record: 18-2 with 12 knockouts.
Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffrard fight card
- Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffrard for Smith’s WBO light heavyweight title
- Abraham Nova vs. William Encarnacion; Featherweight
- Troy Isley vs. Harry Keenan Cruz Cubano; Middleweight
- Jahi Tucker vs. Akeem Black; Welterweight