London promoter Mickey Helliet has signed 22-year-old light-heavyweight prospect Sam Smith.
Guildford’s Sam Smith turned professional following a bright amateur career winning three national titles – Smith is expected to make his debut in September.
Smith trains with boxing coach Paddy Fitzpatrick who also trains George Groves, who is currently preparing for his fight against Badou Jack for the WBC title on August 22.
Speaking about turning professional, Smith added:
“I always wanted to turn pro when I was a teenager but now I’m 22 it’s perfect timing for me, really.
“My old amateur trainer, Tim DeMayer introduced me to Paddy Fitzpatrick and it went from there.
“We’re still good friends and he comes up to Paddy’s gym every now and then to check on me, he still does strength work with me and joins me on my charity runs that I do regularly.”
Smith is adapting well to professional game and has already sparred world title challenger George Groves, Nathan Cleverly and Christopher Rebrasse. Smith went on to say:
“What I’ve learnt in five months working with Paddy is more than what I could have learnt in five years in the amateurs.”
“The first couple of months were tough because I still have to work full-time so it was hard but I adapted well, I think, so I’m used to it now.
“It’s a lot more relaxed and not so high paced, you definitely have to keep your composure more and plant your feet a lot more but you still get hit in the amateurs so as a pro, there’s not a lot difference in that respect.”
“When I was younger, I used to give a lot of years away anyway because I was always big for my age. At 14-years-old I was always sparring against fully grown men. So I’m used to the bigger punches and strength already, getting hit in the amateurs isn’t much different to the pros. I also used to get good sparring with the army in Aldershot.”
Smith has a good team around him, he explained:
“I’ve got a great team around me and we all learn off each other. Sparring is fantastic as well. Probably the one who got the best out of me in sparring was Christoper Rebrasse. We went to war and he is a tough fella.
“It’s good because it gives you the confidence that you need and a lot of it is all in your head, so you’ve just got to believe.”
A very grateful Smith added:
“Thanks for the support and I hope to get as many fans as I can to come and watch me.”
Dates for the show will be confirmed shortly, Smith concluded with a message to his supporters.
For tickets to the show contact Team Sniper on 07887 245 035
