Ishe Smith: “It’s About The Work You Put In”

Ishe Smith: “It’s About The Work You Put In”

745

By: Sean Crose

“I started when I was eight,” Ishe Smith says. “Kinda just getting bullied at school…my mom’s friend was into boxing.” So began what eventually morphed into quite the notable career for the first Las Vegas native to ever win a major title. “It’s a part of who I am” the 39 year old former champ states. Still, with a world title win on his resume and 29 victories to his credit, the affable Smith is growing wary of the Vegas way of doing things.


Photo From Ishe Smith Media Workout with Bounce TV

“I can’t get a fair shake,” he says. “It’s just the judging, man.” Smith, who boasts a 29-9 record, makes it clear that he’s not a diva. “I’m a throwback fighter,” he claims. “I’m old school. I don’t care to take a loss.” What Smith does care about, however, is taking a loss he himself deems unfair. “If I offend the commission, I’m penalized for it,” he says, “(but) there’s no suspension for when a judge turns in a bad scorecard.”

One need only look at last year’s bout against Julian Williams to understand where Smith is coming from here. Smith may have lost by unanimous decision, but as Boxing Insider’s B.A. Cass put it: “The scores were too lopsided to be taken seriously.” Cass certainly wasn’t alone in his assertion of Vegas judging that night. “Nobody won that fight 9-1,” says Smith, referring to one of the score cards. “It’s disappointing.”

Those who take these words as evidence that Smith is bitter after a long career are sadly mistaken. A thoughtful, positive individual, Smith serves as living proof that an objective attitude and clean living can lead to longevity in the world’s most grueling sport. “It’s about the work you put in,” he claims, “and I plan on living.” Whereas some fighters fall victim to partying and unhealthy lifestyles, Smith goes the opposite route. “I don’t do those kinds of things,” he says. “I don’t drink. I never do drugs.”

Smith is also into personal growth…and just plain acting one’s age. “When I was young, I was a lot more brash,” says the fighter. “As you get older, you get wiser…I tried to mend relationships that may have been broken.” The more mature Smith now believes in the benefit of trying “to build a relationship and take down a wall.” This, after all, is a man whose personal motto is Muhammad Ali’s famous statement that: “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”

Not that long ago, the younger Smith made a name for himself by besting Randall Bailey and by appearing in the first season of The Contender. “We didn’t understand it then,” he says of himself and his fellow cast mates, regarding the exposure the show provided. Referring to iconic hosts Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone, Smith claims “They were on set every day.”

“It was a good platform,” he says. “People still recognize me from the show.” Television aside, Smith’s career got a serious boost when he became a member of Floyd Mayweather’s famed Mayweather Promotions in 2012. It was as a Mayweather Promotions fighter that Smith stepped into the ring as on the night of February 23’d 2013.

The IBF light middleweight championship of the world was at stake, a championship defended by hometown fighter Cornelius Burndradge. Undeterred by the moment and location, Smith went on to win a majority decision. The first Las Vegas fighter to ever win a major title did so by defeating the first Detroit fighter to win a major belt since Thomas Hearns.

“It was the greatest feeling in the world other than seeing my kids being born,” Smith says. “I had trained so hard for these ups and downs.” And being the first true Vegas champ? “That was key to me,” he adds. Smith ended up losing his belt to Carlos Molina, then lost a chance to attain the WBA world super welterweight title when he was outpointed by the masterful Erislandy Lara in 2014.

Yet Smith’s still a major part of the Mayweather stable. He’ll be facing another Detroit fighter, Tony Harrison (26-2) on May 11th. While admitting that Harrison is no slouch, Smith is now at the point in his career where his perspective turns inwards when it comes to a particular fight. “I’m at the age now,” he says, “where I don’t focus on opponents. I just think about myself.” The fighter has clearly learned not to sweat the small stuff. “I’m a veteran,” he claims. “You don’t worry about what you’re making tomorrow when you got dinner tonight.” Being a part of the Mayweather team must offer some peace of mind, as well.

“It’s a good gym,” Smith says of the Mayweather Gym in Vegas. “It’s where most of us train at.” Smith not only admires the gym, he admires those who occupy and operate it. “It’s run by great people,” he claims. “It’s an old school gym, only cleaner.” So, does he frequently see Floyd, the man he’s sparred regularly with and known since childhood? “He’s a very busy man now,” Smith says, “so it’s a lot different (than it used to be). He’s very busy and I’m still fighting…I don’t see him as much as when he fought.”

And so here Ishe Smith is, a working man in a sporting world seemingly ruled by the loudest people in every room. He’s a vet, he’s 39, and yet he’s still a force. It’s obvious when speaking to this religious, charitable individual, however, that there are things in his life even more important to him than boxing. A father of six, Smith speaks of his children with pleasure. “They’re all healthy,” he says. “I love being a dad.”

I ask Smith about his toughest opponent. It doesn’t take him long to answer. “The toughest guy I ever fought was Randall Bailey,” he states. “It was a growing up lesson…I had to grow up very fast that fight.” Sometimes, it seems, you just have to jump into the deep end.

“I don’t know what the hell I was thinking,” he laughs.

Tags:

745 Comments

  48. DerekDrurl
    03/31/2025,

    Beste online drogist: ApotheekMax – Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  124. Robertglarp
    04/10/2025,

    tГјrk partner siteleri: casibom giris – bahis veren siteler casibom1st.com

  133. Garretttoomi
    04/11/2025,

    gazino isimleri casibom giris deneme bonusu veren slot siteleri 2025 casibom1st.shop

  196. TimothyOdoke
    04/18/2025,

    best mail order pharmacy canada USACanadaPharm pet meds without vet prescription canada

  228. VictorDeers
    04/21/2025,

    olympe casino: olympe – olympe casino en ligne

  256. PeterQuogy
    04/24/2025,

    Acheter Cialis 20 mg pas cher cialis prix Cialis generique prix tadalmed.com

  272. Bernardactit
    04/26/2025,

    Pharmacie Internationale en ligne: Livraison rapide – acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance pharmafst.com

  273. PeterQuogy
    04/26/2025,

    vente de mГ©dicament en ligne Livraison rapide trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie pharmafst.shop

  313. ElmerDaw
    04/30/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт: vavada casino – вавада казино

  320. RichardSmatt
    05/01/2025,

    пин ап казино официальный сайт pin up вход пин ап казино

  324. Brianthigo
    05/01/2025,

    вавада казино: vavada – vavada вход

  370. KennethSnind
    05/06/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт: vavada casino – vavada casino

  371. KennethSnind
    05/06/2025,

    вавада казино: vavada вход – вавада официальный сайт

  389. KennethSnind
    05/08/2025,

    pin-up casino giris: pin-up – pin-up casino giris

  411. Albertowrema
    05/11/2025,

    purchase Modafinil without prescription: modafinil 2025 – verified Modafinil vendors

  425. MatthewHacle
    05/12/2025,

    Amo Health Care [url=https://amohealthcare.store/#]buy amoxicillin online no prescription[/url] amoxicillin 500mg pill

  428. RussellEdups
    05/12/2025,

    how to get clomid without insurance: can you get clomid – where can i get cheap clomid without a prescription

  435. RussellEdups
    05/12/2025,

    generic clomid online: Clom Health – how to get generic clomid tablets

  454. JosephLaf
    05/14/2025,

    cialis using paypal in australia Tadal Access over the counter drug that works like cialis

  456. ScottCug
    05/15/2025,

    what is the generic name for cialis: TadalAccess – tadalafil citrate liquid

  462. JosephLaf
    05/15/2025,

    maxim peptide tadalafil citrate TadalAccess tadalafil online canadian pharmacy

  464. LorenBonee
    05/16/2025,

    buy cialis without a prescription: TadalAccess – cialis for daily use cost

  468. ScottCug
    05/16/2025,

    cheap cialis online overnight shipping: TadalAccess – wallmart cialis

  473. LorenBonee
    05/17/2025,

    cialis for sale over the counter: TadalAccess – online pharmacy cialis

  478. LorenBonee
    05/17/2025,

    cialis doesnt work for me: Tadal Access – cialis patent expiration date

  482. ScottCug
    05/18/2025,

    does cialis make you last longer in bed: wallmart cialis – canadian online pharmacy cialis

  484. JosephLaf
    05/18/2025,

    tadalafil citrate research chemical TadalAccess cialis free trial canada

  485. LorenBonee
    05/18/2025,

    buying cialis online canadian order: Tadal Access – canada cialis for sale

  496. LorenBonee
    05/20/2025,

    cialis sublingual: cialis for ed – difference between tadalafil and sildenafil

  500. JosephLaf
    05/20/2025,

    cialis same as tadalafil [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cialis daily dosage[/url] cialis 5mg side effects

  504. JosephLaf
    05/21/2025,

    best reviewed tadalafil site TadalAccess tadalafil generic headache nausea

  506. JosephLaf
    05/21/2025,

    cialis experience forum Tadal Access cialis one a day with dapoxetine canada

  514. LorenBonee
    05/23/2025,

    teva generic cialis: Tadal Access – what is the difference between cialis and tadalafil?

  515. JosephLaf
    05/23/2025,

    what doe cialis look like Tadal Access over the counter drug that works like cialis

  519. LorenBonee
    05/23/2025,

    paypal cialis no prescription: TadalAccess – what is the cost of cialis

  527. Curtisfline
    05/27/2025,

    get antibiotics without seeing a doctor: Biot Pharm – cheapest antibiotics

  530. RodneyLog
    05/28/2025,

    Ero Pharm Fast [url=https://eropharmfast.shop/#]buy ed medication[/url] Ero Pharm Fast

  531. Curtisfline
    05/28/2025,

    pharmacy online australia: Pharm Au 24 – Discount pharmacy Australia

  539. manta airdrop
    07/21/2025,

    Offers fast finality — asset transfers typically complete in 3–10 minutes.

  540. manta pacific
    07/21/2025,

    Highly praised for reliability — “I’ve bridged over 50 transactions without a single issue.”

  625. anyswap bridge
    09/19/2025,

    I’m constantly recommending the anyswap token to friends because of how useful and integral it is to the ecosystem.!

  628. anyswap
    09/20/2025,

    I’ve been exploring the world of anyswap crypto, and this platform has made it absolutely so much more accessible and less intimidating..

  630. Bk8
    09/20/2025,

    Excellent explanation, you made it simple.

  637. Anyswap
    09/23/2025,

    I was skeptical, but after recently of using the API, the easy onboarding convinced me.

  638. anyswap
    09/23/2025,

    Completing a cross chain swap absolutely here is a seamless and worry-free experience. without a doubt

  641. OpenOcean
    09/25/2025,

    I personally find that the cross-chain transfers tools are wide token selection and clear transparency.

  642. Plasma Token
    09/25/2025,

    I was happy to sell Plasma Token without getting hit by a huge spread.

  645. SnowSwap
    09/26/2025,

    The cross-chain transfers tools are great support and stable performance. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.

  646. Allnodes
    09/26/2025,

    I trust this platform — withdrawals are robust security and reliable. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.

  647. pawswap coin
    09/26/2025,

    I’ve been active for over two years, mostly for using the bridge, and it’s always robust security. The updates are frequent and clear.

  648. anyswap
    09/26/2025,

    The trading tools are quick deposits and robust security.

  649. anyswap
    09/26/2025,

    I personally find that this platform exceeded my expectations with reliable uptime and great support.

  650. anyswap bridge
    09/27/2025,

    I personally find that i switched from another service because of the stable performance and seamless withdrawals.

  651. anyswap
    09/27/2025,

    The transparency around fast transactions is refreshing and builds trust. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  653. anyswap
    09/28/2025,

    I’m impressed by the responsive team. I’ll definitely continue using it. Support solved my issue in minutes.

  654. pawswap crypto
    09/29/2025,

    This platform exceeded my expectations with wide token selection and clear transparency.

  655. anyswap
    09/29/2025,

    I switched from another service because of the intuitive UI and wide token selection. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  657. paws token yield
    09/30/2025,

    I personally find that i’ve been active for a month, mostly for trading, and it’s always great support.

  658. renbridge
    09/30/2025,

    This platform exceeded my expectations with responsive team and robust security.

  660. pawswap app
    09/30/2025,

    I’ve been active for a year, mostly for swapping tokens, and it’s always wide token selection.

  663. Idcash88
    10/01/2025,

    I personally find that the interface is great support, and I enjoy fiat on-ramp here. Support solved my issue in minutes.

  664. ziatogel
    10/02/2025,

    I value the wide token selection and intuitive UI. This site is reliable. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  665. buahtogel
    10/03/2025,

    The best choice I made for providing liquidity. Smooth and low fees. I moved funds across chains without a problem.

  666. ff crypto project
    10/03/2025,

    I personally find that the using the API process is simple and the accurate charts makes it even better. Support solved my issue in minutes.

  668. how to swap ena
    10/05/2025,

    I switched from another service because of the scalable features and accurate charts. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  671. swap avantis
    10/06/2025,

    I was skeptical, but after over two years of using the bridge, the intuitive UI convinced me.

  672. danatoto
    10/06/2025,

    I personally find that i was skeptical, but after over two years of cross-chain transfers, the wide token selection convinced me. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  673. paws coin presale
    10/07/2025,

    The best choice I made for checking analytics. Smooth and intuitive UI. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.

  675. arb crypto project
    10/07/2025,

    I personally find that the best choice I made for learning crypto basics. Smooth and reliable uptime. I moved funds across chains without a problem.

  676. arbitrum token bridge
    10/07/2025,

    I personally find that i’ve been using it for a year for cross-chain transfers, and the trustworthy service stands out.

  678. bk8
    10/08/2025,

    I was skeptical, but after several months of using the API, the quick deposits convinced me.

  679. ParaSwap
    10/10/2025,

    It’s amazing how quickly I can swap any token I want, no genuinely matter the chain.

  680. Arbswap Overview
    10/12/2025,

    This platform exceeded my expectations with low fees and quick deposits. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.

  684. ArbSwap
    10/14/2025,

    The best choice I made for portfolio tracking. Smooth and seamless withdrawals. I moved funds across chains without a problem.

  685. What is ParaSwap
    10/14/2025,

    I personally find that the transparency around seamless withdrawals is refreshing and builds trust. The updates are frequent and clear.

  687. Fuck Putin
    10/15/2025,

    The transparency around low fees is refreshing and builds trust. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  688. manta bridge
    10/16/2025,

    I personally find that i was skeptical, but after a few days of swapping tokens, the wide token selection convinced me. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.

  689. paraswap
    10/17/2025,

    Great platform with useful analytics — it made my crypto journey easier. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.

  695. indratogellogin
    11/02/2025,

    Blake here — I’ve tried checking analytics and the intuitive UI impressed me. The updates are frequent and clear.

  697. unatogellin
    11/03/2025,

    The best choice I made for swapping tokens. Smooth and accurate charts.

  700. AsterDEX roadmap
    11/05/2025,

    I personally find that i switched from another service because of the reliable uptime and easy onboarding. Charts are accurate and load instantly.

  703. Protogel
    11/06/2025,

    I personally find that this platform exceeded my expectations with responsive team and great support. I moved funds across chains without a problem.

  706. bk8
    11/11/2025,

    The swapping tokens process is simple and the trustworthy service makes it even better. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.

  707. bk8
    11/11/2025,

    This platform exceeded my expectations with quick deposits and stable performance.

  708. Atm4d
    11/11/2025,

    The using the API tools are useful analytics and accurate charts.

  710. RenBridge DeFi
    11/11/2025,

    I personally find that i value the robust security and clear transparency. This site is reliable.

  711. Atm4d
    11/12/2025,

    This platform exceeded my expectations with seamless withdrawals and trustworthy service. I moved funds across chains without a problem.

  713. SpiritSwap onchain analytics
    11/13/2025,

    I switched from another service because of the intuitive UI and wide token selection. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.

  714. atm4d
    11/16/2025,

    The best choice I made for providing liquidity. Smooth and clear transparency.

  715. bk8
    11/16/2025,

    Charlie here — I’ve tried learning crypto basics and the low fees impressed me. The updates are frequent and clear.

  717. Sbctoto
    11/17/2025,

    I’m impressed by the robust security. I’ll definitely continue using it. The updates are frequent and clear.

  718. Indratogel
    11/17/2025,

    Wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the reliable uptime. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  719. Lunatogel
    11/17/2025,

    I value the stable performance and clear transparency. This site is reliable. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.

  720. batman138
    11/18/2025,

    The site is easy to use and the seamless withdrawals keeps me coming back. Charts are accurate and load instantly.

  721. dewalive
    11/18/2025,

    Rowan here — I’ve tried portfolio tracking and the low fees impressed me. The mobile app makes daily use simple.

  722. Togelup
    11/18/2025,

    I personally find that the best choice I made for trading. Smooth and wide token selection. I moved funds across chains without a problem.

  723. batman138
    11/18/2025,

    I personally find that the interface is scalable features, and I enjoy using the mobile app here.

  724. Togelon
    11/19/2025,

    I personally find that i’ve been using it for several months for fiat on-ramp, and the great support stands out.

  725. ThomasMeads
    11/19/2025,

    I started fetching cornbread hemp full-spectrum cbd gummies a smidgin while ago well-grounded to last what the hype was prevalent, and fashionable I actually look forward to them preceding the time when bed. They don’t left me abroad or anything, but they generate it so much easier to numbing and fall asleep naturally. I’ve been waking up sensibility pathway more rested and not sluggish at all. Unequivocally, description of disposition I’d tried them sooner.

  726. yowestogel
    11/20/2025,

    I switched from another service because of the accurate charts and trustworthy service. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  731. Anyswap platform details
    11/22/2025,

    I personally find that i’ve been using it for over two years for exploring governance, and the fast transactions stands out.

  737. is wbtc safe
    11/28/2025,

    I’ve been using it for since launch for exploring governance, and the accurate charts stands out. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  738. what is weth
    11/28/2025,

    The using the bridge process is simple and the responsive team makes it even better.

  743. decentralized exchange (DEX)
    12/01/2025,

    I was skeptical, but after several months of swapping tokens, the intuitive UI convinced me. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *