Life not just about boxing for Liverpool's Smith brothers
Thursday 27 November 2014 11:26, UK
Boxing’s Smith brothers are determined to extend their legacy by all becoming world champions, writes Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom.
Next year promises to be an important one for the family from Liverpool. Having already held three British titles between them, the four siblings are all now ranked in the top 10 of the world rankings for their respective weight divisions.
Youngest brother Callum's rise has caught the most attention, with the super middleweight excelling in the toughest fight of his career to date. The 23 year-old comprehensively outpointed Serbian fighter Nikola Sjekloca on the undercard of Cleverly-Bellew II at the Liverpool Echo Arena.
"On paper it was a massive step up, " he told Sky Sports. "Many people thought I'd taken the fight too quickly but I proved a few doubters wrong."
Paul – the eldest of the four at 32 - has already had one shot at a world title, but he was denied the WBO super-middleweight belt in what he still feels was a highly-questionable points decision against Arthur Abraham.
"I don't think I'll ever come to terms with it," he admits as he focuses on a rematch next year. "Before the fight I believed I could beat him, but having gone the distance I now know I can."
All four of the brothers will be training over the Christmas period. Stephen is closing in on a chance to take the super featherweight crown, while light middleweight Liam is already the WBA's Continental champion.
"All four of us will win a world title I'm sure of that," he said. "Provided the promoters and trainers do their jobs and give us the chance, I've no doubt we will all take our opportunities."
But boxing success is not the only cause they are fighting for. The Smith family are actively campaigning to raise awareness of autism, a condition that their younger sister Holly suffers from.
The brothers, along with trainer Joe Gallagher, took time out of the gym to join forces and officially open a new sports hall at a Greenbank School in Northwich, a co-educational residential secondary school for students with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
"It's something that's very close to us," Stephen explained. "It's amazing to be invited to see the facilities here, and to imagine Holly in a place like this."
All four of the brothers have the word 'Autism' embroidered on their shorts to show their support for their sister who is unable to communicate through speech.
The visit was certainly well-recieved by the pupils. "It was wonderful to see the smiles on their faces," Paul added. "And they brought plenty to ours as well. It's not an act for the cameras - it's a real privilege to be here today to speak to the children. I'd give anything to have a conversation like that with our Holly."
You can find out more information about Greenbank School at http://www.greenbankschool.org/welcome/
