Guerrero wins NABF belt in unanimous decision over Ishe Smith

By Sam Gregory: In Saturday night’s main event on ShoBox the New Generation from the DeSoto Civic Center, Southhaven, MS. undefeated Fernando Guerrero 18-0 with 15 KO’s takes on Ishe Smith 21-4 with 9 KO’s in a scheduled 10 round bout in the middleweight division for the vacant NABF middleweight title.

Guerrero improves his unbeaten record to 19-0 with 15 KO’s while Ishe Smith falls to 21-5 with 9 KO’s At the opening bell Guerrero came out aggressively throwing his jab; Smith’s defense blocked most of the shots. This was mainly a feeling out round for both fighters; Smith landed two solid body shots before the final bell, close round that went to Guerrero.

Round two was another close round that went back and forth, lots of jabs thrown from both fighters. Smith managed to counter punch off Guerrero’s jab and landed a solid uppercut to the body before the end of round 2.

In round 3 Guerrero landed his jab more effectively and was forcing the pace of the fight. Guerrero clearly dominated the round; Smith received a second warning for low blows.

In round 4 Guerrero seemed to have more power to his punches; Smith doubled up on his combinations but any direct shots were blocked by Guerrero. Smith landed a pretty big uppercut just before the closing bell but it was too little too late, Guerrero carried the round.

Through the middle rounds of the fight both men exchanged punches in the center of the ring. By the end of round six it was clear Guerrero dictated the offensive flow of the fight.

Guerrero carried round seven but in the eighth round Guerrero got a little over confident and after landing a combination to the body was caught by a shot from Smith that caught him off guard and off balance. After the punch Guerrero touched the canvas. It was enough to be ruled a knockdown and a 10-8 round for Smith.

In the 9th round Guerrero fought with his back against the ropes but had a solid enough defense to stay ahead in the fight. Going into the tenth round the fight appeared to be very close. In fact, the press row and ringside commentators had the fight even if not for the 10-8 eighth round.

After the tenth and final round the fight went to the judge’s scorecards: 96-93, 95-93 and 97-91 all for the winner by unanimous decision Fernando Guerrero.

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