The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) World Light Heavy Titlist Joe Smith Jnr is set to defend his first world title for the very first time against Boston born Callum Johnson on January 15, 2022 from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York.
Joe Smith Jr (27-3, 21KOs) won the vacant WBO strap in April last year against the experienced Russian Maxim Vlason (46-4, 26KOs) via a 12 round majority decision. The Long Island born world champion despite getting his hands on a world title for the first time had an opportunity in March 2019 with the WBA World Light Heavy title at stake. Smith Jr lost that opportunity via a unanimous decision to Dmitry Bivol who was defending it for the fourth time.
It hasn’t been an easy journey for Joe Smith Jnr heading to his first title defence with the champion testing positive for Covid 19 around September last year. He disclosed how his journey has been with Covid and preparations so far
” Overall, I feel great now. I’m just doing the best I can to avoid getting sick again. It’s hard nowadays to train for a fight. I’ve been going to the gym when it’s closed. Luckily, I’m able to do that. But I’m around the least number of people I can be. I was feeling [Covid] bad for three or four weeks. Just to recover, it took me another two or three weeks.”
With Joe Smith’s opponent, Callum Johnson (20-1, 14KOs) set to battle for a world title for the second time, he’ll look forward to make amends in order not to miss the opportunity after suffering a round four KO in the hands of Artur Beterbiev for the IBF world light heavy title which was Johnson’s first title shot.
Callum Johnson believes this opportunity must not pass by as he think this title shot could be his last chance. In an interview with BT Sports Boxing by Carl Frampton, Johnson revealed that
“I do feel its my last chance to fulfil my childhood dreams, so I’ll be doing everything I can in training and on the night he’ll [Joe Smith Jr] be getting everything from me.”
I do believe I’ll be fulfilling my childhood dream on the night” Johnson concluded.
January 15 will be a night to remember where hopes and dreams will be expected to come to pass.
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