Paul Smith can be proud of career, says Johnny Nelson
Thursday 21 June 2018 16:13, UK
Paul Smith has made the right decision to retire, but he can rightfully feel hard done by after coming within touching distance of a world title, says Johnny Nelson.
Paul has made the right decision in announcing his retirement. Yes, there would have been some domestic fights or European title fights there for him but it's the right move.
The youngsters coming through would be looking at him as a scalp. Someone who has been on the edge of becoming of a world champion, it's not about the money, he's being sensible with this choice.
Paul's career has been exciting, I've seen him come up from domestic to European to world level. You just know when you've done enough and you've done everything you can possibly do.
The first Abraham fight was his time, he should have got the result and had his moment. He was within touching distance of a dream world title and I think that broke him not getting that result.
What a career and what a fighting family he is from, they're pretty much Liverpool royalty. He will now divert himself into another aspect of the game and Paul's an excellent analyst, someone who has so much knowledge, reeling off boxing rules and stuff like that, you just think 'how do you even know that?'
I like that he has concentrated on stepping forward, he's probably made his decision a while ago and only just come out public with it.
Most fighters, when they retire, look in better condition once they retire than they do in between fights and Paul will be like that. All of a sudden in a few years you could be saying 'Why don't you fight again Paul?'
The first Abraham fight was his time, he should have got the result and had his moment. He was within touching distance of a dream world title and I think that broke him not getting that result.
I think the win would have elevated his achievements after that. If there was ever a time for him to get the Gods of luck shining down on him, it was that night, but he got robbed blind, and that's a great shame.
Regardless, though, it was a brilliant career and Paul's commitment to the sport should be applauded.
