The list of boxers who have defeated Ishe Smith is pretty impressive, and now Frank Galarza is looking to add his name to that talented roster.
Ishe Smith (right) has split his last six fights since defeating Cornelius Bundrage in February 2013 to become a 154-pound world champion. (Jann Hendry/Premier Boxing Champions)
Every man to defeat Ishe Smith (28-8, 12 KOs), a former 154-pound champion, has either won or competed for a world title, and now Frank Galarza (17-1-2, 11 KOs) will get his chance to assume the same path in a 10-round bout September 16 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (Bounce TV, 9 p.m. ET/PT).
In addition to the main event, the fight card also features a 10-round showdown between rising 154-pound prospects Chris Pearson (14-1, 10 KOs) and Justin DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs).
The 5-foot-10 Smith earned his world title with a majority decision over Cornelius Bundrage in February 2013, but was dethroned by Carlos Molina in his first title defense nearly seven months later.
In addition to Molina, Smith has also lost to world champions Sergio Mora (as part of NBC’s The Contender in September 2004), Daniel Jacobs (in August 2009) and Erislandy Lara (in a December 2014 title fight).
Former title challengers Sechew Powell, Joel Julio, Fernando Guerrero and Vanes Martirosyan round out the list of those who have beaten the 38-year-old Las Vegas native.
After losing to Martirosyan by majority decision last September, Smith rebounded in his last fight in December with a shutout 10-round unanimous decision over Tommy Rainone.
“I'm the type to always stay in good condition, so I will be ready to get it on fight night,” Smith said. “I'm deep into training and I'm planning on delivering a great fight for all the fans to enjoy. I'm focused on this fight, but my goal is to get the world title back.”
Galarza is hoping to bounce back from his first professional defeat last November, when unbeaten Jarrett Hurd stopped him in the sixth round in Las Vegas.
The 30-year-old Brooklyn, New York, native got a late start in boxing, but Galarza unexpectedly won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2010 and then turned pro shortly afterward with just 11 amateur bouts under his belt.
The 6-foot Galarza had stopped seven of his last eight opponents (including a win by disqualification) before losing to Hurd.
“I feel great and I'm ready for a chance to redeem myself,” Galarza said. “I know Ishe is an experienced fighter, but this is a shot for me to get back to the top level. I can't wait to show the boxing world what I am made of.”
For a complete look at Smith vs Galarza, visit our fight page.
