Smith can forget title - Simpson
A furious John Simpson has told Stephen Smith to forget about winning the British featherweight title.
Simpson defends his Commonwealth crown against the Liverpool fighter at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on September 4. The fight will now also double as an eliminator for Martin Lindsay's Lonsdale belt.
On Thursday, Smith said he would beat Simpson and set up a shot at the British crown but the fired-up Scotsman hit back, saying: "Stephen can keep on dreaming about the British title, but he'll never win it."
He added: "What he seems to be forgetting is that he needs to beat me to get his shot, and that's not happening.
"He's a good kid, but come on, does he really have the experience and the tools to beat me? This is my 11th championship fight and his first.
"It's one thing beating up journeymen when you are coming through, but quite different when you have to take on a real champion."
Simpson believes that he has some unfinished business with the Lonsdale belt, having held it briefly before losing a narrow decision to fellow Scot Paul Appleby.
"I was so close to winning it outright," said Simpson. "The chance to do so again is a massive incentive.
"I want my old belt back, and beating Smith will take me a step closer to doing that.
"There is no way that I am leaving the ring on September 4 a loser, especially in front of all my own fans."
Date published :
13 Aug 2010 - 16:31:05
