Florida's Steve Geffrard is an unlikely title challenger

Press Release

14/01/2022

Florida's Steve Geffrard is an unlikely title challenger

Steve Geffrard wasn't supposed to be here. Last Friday, he was preparing to weigh in for a fight in Delray Beach, Florida, when he received a call. WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. needed an opponent after British challenger Callum Johnson contracted the coronavirus. Geffrard answered the call and will fight Smith this Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).  Geffrard (18-2, 12 KOs), a South Florida native and former U.S. amateur standout, started his career at 0-2 before rattling off 18 consecutive victories. Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) defeated Maxim Vlasov last April and will finally defend his title after his own coronavirus diagnosis delayed his return. At Thursday's press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.
 
Steve Geffrard
 
“When those belts are on the line, that mental switch turns on. I know that mentally and skill-wise I can battle with the best. I have sparred with, and handled myself very well, against the best of the division."
 
“I’m a fighter, especially with an opportunity like this. I’m going to rise to the occasion. I’ll show the world who Steve Geffrard is." 
 
“I was in the sauna when I got the call for this fight. I was looking forward to Smith vs. Johnson, but now I’m the one fighting for the title. It’s surreal.”
 
Joe Smith Jr.
 
“I can’t wait to be on ESPN this Saturday defending my world title in front of the whole world. I’m extremely happy to be here. There were a couple of moments where I thought I wasn’t going to be here. I can't wait! Thanks to everyone that made this happen." 
 
“Since I became a world champion, the only thing that has really changed for me is that I’m holding this title, and I want to keep it that way." 
 
“Geffrard has been inside the ring training with the best. I’m sure he is going to give it his all and will try to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.”