Callum Smith

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Callum Smith, born on April 23, 1990, in Liverpool, England, is part of a family deeply entrenched in the boxing world. Known as one of the Smith brothers, who are all professional boxers, Callum was naturally drawn to the sport from a young age. His family’s involvement in boxing provided a rich environment that fostered his growth as a fighter, with his brothers Paul, Stephen, and Liam Smith also carving out their own professional careers.

 

Smith was introduced to boxing by his family, particularly through the influence of his older brothers. He trained at the Rotunda ABC in Liverpool, a gym known for producing talented fighters, where he was coached rigorously and developed a solid foundation in the basics of boxing. This early and immersive introduction helped shape his style and dedication to the sport.

 

As an amateur, Callum Smith had a notable career. He won the Great Britain Championships and was a silver medalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, marking him as one of the UK’s top amateur boxers at the time. His performance at the Commonwealth Games, where he competed at middleweight, was particularly significant as it showcased his skill on an international stage.

 

Smith’s amateur record was impressive, consisting of victories that set him apart in national and international competitions. His time in the amateur ranks helped him develop a refined technique and a tactical approach to boxing, which were crucial for his transition to the professional ranks.

 

Professional Career

 

In October 2012, Callum Smith embarked on his professional boxing journey, joining the ranks of his brothers under the Matchroom Sport banner and the tutelage of esteemed trainer Joe Gallagher. His inaugural match on November 17, 2012, at Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena, saw him secure a decisive points victory against Dan Blackwell, marking the beginning of his ascent in the sport. Despite the win, Smith remained unsatisfied, eager to refine his skills and technique.

 

Over the ensuing months and years, Smith showcased his potential through a series of remarkable performances. Noteworthy among these was his swift dispatch of Latvian Ruslans Pojonisevs in a first-round knockout, underscoring his underestimated punching power. Smith’s dominance transcended borders, with victories over adversaries like French boxer Francois Bastient and Mexican Abraham Hernandez, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the super-middleweight division.

 

A pivotal moment arrived on November 22, 2014, when Smith faced Serbian Nikola Sjekloca in his maiden 12-round encounter, emerging triumphant in a WBC super-middleweight title eliminator. This victory underscored his endurance and resilience over an extended bout.

 

Smith’s trajectory soared with his entry into the World Boxing Super Series, offering both prestige and prize money. His quarter-final clash with Swedish contender Erik Skoglund saw him claim the vacant WBC Diamond belt in a hard-fought contest at Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Smith’s path to the final continued with a victory over Dutch fighter Nieky Holzken, setting the stage for a showdown with the seasoned Jürgen Brähmer.

 

Despite initial hurdles, Smith persevered, ultimately securing his spot in the tournament final against George Groves. The highly anticipated match, held on September 28, 2018, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, culminated in a thrilling seventh-round knockout, propelling Smith to victory and earning him the WBA super-middleweight title and The Ring magazine title.

 

Smith’s championship reign saw him defend his titles against formidable opponents, including Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam and John Ryder. However, his quest for dominance faced a setback on December 19, 2020, as he suffered his first professional defeat against Canelo Álvarez in a grueling encounter for the WBA, The Ring, and vacant WBC super-middleweight titles.

 

Undeterred, Smith transitioned to the light-heavyweight division, making a stunning debut with a second-round knockout against Lenin Castillo on September 25, 2021. His pursuit of greatness continued with a compelling victory over Bauderlique on August 20, 2022, in a WBC world title eliminator, setting the stage for a championship showdown against unified light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev.

 

Despite a valiant effort, Smith fell short in his bid for the title against Beterbiev on January 13, 2024, facing a seventh-round stoppage in Quebec City, Canada. While the loss was a setback, Smith’s resilience and determination remain unwavering as he continues to pursue excellence in the world of boxing, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.