Jamie Moore talks Paul Smith, Gennady Golovkin, Tyson Fury, and Luke Campbell
Finally he's excited by Money v Manny!
Wednesday 25 February 2015 17:56, UK
Jamie Moore believes Paul Smith must target big domestic duels - and admits he's now excited for boxing's richest ever fight.
Where does Paul Smith go from here after losing a second world title fight to Arthur Abraham?
Jamie says: He’s proved he’s a world class fighter. If I were him or his promoter Eddie Hearn, I’d be looking at some of the other big British super-middleweights. George Groves has already beaten him but Paul would admit that, at that time in his career, he wasn’t as dedicated. Now he deserves to mix in that company so I’d like to see him involved in domestic fights.
Groves or James DeGale would be perfect – Carl Froch is a step too far because he only wants world title unification fights with superstars. Groves and DeGale are now at the same sort of level as Paul. He’s lost to both but he’s better now and he’d like the opportunity to show those performances weren’t the real Paul Smith.
The closer you get to the end of your career the more you start to think ‘I haven’t got long left’. It’s now or never, and Paul proved what a class fighter he is.
Gennady Golovkin stopped Martin Murray for a 32nd straight win – but is he overrated?
Jamie says: No he’s not. I understand the argument because people get carried away. He came onto the scene knocking people out and taking people by surprise. People are now fully aware of how good Golovkin is and that’s a problem for him.
Martin Murray, two years ago, might have not worried as much about his defence. As Golovkin moves forward people are getting used to his rhythm, his momentum and his timing. People will start reading him but, the difficulty is, he punches so hard! Any game-plan to win the fight goes out of the window because you’re worried about defending.
He’s not overrated because he’s awesome and formidable. But I think people are putting even more on top of that.
What do you think of Luke Campbell fighting in Hull on March 7 despite his father's illness?
He’ll dedicate it to his dad and try to push through. He’ll want to do what his family asks, so it’s nice to see he’s got their blessing.
Jamie says: I’ve got big respect for him. There’s talk of him and Tommy Coyle fighting in the summer but I understood why he originally pulled out of the bill. Listen, your family comes first. It’s terrible what he’s going through with his dad.
It’s good to read about their family bond, and his dad wanting him to go through with it. He’ll dedicate it to his dad and try to push through. It’s difficult and tough for him, he’ll want to do what his family asks, so it’s nice to see he’s got their blessing.
I went through something similar when my Nana died a few days before I boxed Michael Jones for the third time. Campbell’s main concern will be with his dad – but to have his dad’s backing to box is a massive plus for him.
Will Tyson Fury get hold of Wladimir Klitschko if he beats Christian Hammer this weekend?
Jamie says: I think you’d have to say so. He started out as a young, raw, massive heavyweight and he’s turned into a fringe world title contender. He was very young when he turned professional and he’s still young for a heavyweight so he’ll get better.
Is it the right time to fight Klitschko? Maybe, because he might not get to the point where he’s the second best heavyweight in the world. Sometimes youth and the innocence of not knowing how good you are can be a good thing. He’ll put in a good performance on Saturday because Hammer is tailor-made for him but is he ready for Klitschko? I don’t think Klitschko is ready to be beaten yet. Fury is very good but Klitschko is exceptional.
And finally... Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao is confirmed, so does it still bore you?
Jamie says: I’ve been on record saying I’m not bothered by the fight happening but that was because I was so sick of the talk. Now it’s signed and sealed, I’m really excited! It’s four years past the point where it should have happened but it’s still an excellent fight. It’s the richest fight ever but will it be the best? Maybe not but it will be really good because I think we’ll see Mayweather tested like never before. But no matter what Mayweather comes up against in the ring, he finds a way to work it out. He’ll win by a wide enough margin on the scorecards so that it’s not questionable.
I’m hoping to find a way over to Las Vegas and watch it on a big screen! That’s what I visualise.
