Philadelphias two time world title challenger Jesse Hart, 26-2 (21 KOs) aims to rejuvenate his career up at light heavyweight on Saturday night whilst looking for some Philly get back when he takes on Long Islands Joe Smith 24-3 (20 Ko’s) at the Mark G Etess Arena in Atlantic City, a bout televised live on ESPN..
Hart twice challenged Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO crown at 168 unsuccessfully and despite being comfortable at the lower division, saw a more lucrative future up at 175..
Hart made his light heavyweight debut last June, competently beating the battle tested Sullivan Barrera unanimously, gaining valuable confidence from victory over such a durable proven campaigner at the weight.. Smith appears on paper a less strenuous task, yet the personal reasons for victory make the match more poignant.. In 2016 Smith stopped and retired Philadelphia legend Bernard Hopkins who was 51 years old at the time, and whilst the victory was over a shell of the great champion, it signalled the end of the man who influenced and inspired Jesse Hart to where he is today.. Hart v Smith is indeed a revenge match and an entertaining battle to boot, both guys can crack and both are on the fringes of contention..
Smith is a great way for Hart to start the New Year, and for one of these fighters, it could be the perfect springboard to a championship.
The preliminary bouts will be live-streamed on ESPN+ (6:30 PM) with the main portion of the card televised live on ESPN, beginning at 10:00 PM.
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