China Smith Now WBF North American Champion.
China “The Dragon” Smith (35-4, 27 KOs) took another step towards a third World Champion heavyweight title when he beat Mike Sheppard (21-17, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision last night to become the World Boxing Federation’s North American Champion. This was Smith’s second fight back after a six and a half year lay-off. “I had to dig deep and just go out and make it happen. By the grace of God, my team, we made it happen,” said Smith.
Smith had to work hard but seemed to be in control through most of the bout. He won the first four rounds clearly and often had Sheppard on the defensive. But Sheppard was the aggressor in rounds five, six and seven, where he pinned Smith against the ropes and landed some heavy shots. Smith finished the fight strong and connected often with his hard right hook. After ten rounds of boxing all three judges had Smith winning the fight by scores of 97-93, 98-92 and 98-92.
Image – China as the decision is announced.
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