Around this time last month, middleweight contender Ishe Smith was finding it difficult just to get a sparring assignment. The Las Vegas resident was originally told that his services would not be needed by undefeated pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather, despite the fact that he had helped him prepare for previous bouts. Insulted by an accusation that he took a "whooping in sparring", Smith took to his official Twitter page to vent his frustrations. Little did he know, however, that they may have been the best thing he could do for his career.
"Argument in the gym today, known dude since I was about 16 years old, I have never taken an ass whooping from him, I don't give a shit what you heard. I have never taken a pure ass whooping in sparring, my last name is not Henry, I don't care what you heard," he wrote, leading many to believe that he was referring to Mayweather, especially since there were rumors that Floyd had indeed battered and bloodied Omar Henry in sparring. A follow-up post would virtually confirm the theory after Smith referenced being in camp "with him" for the Mosley fight. "While he batters sparring partners, people ask me why I'm not in camp with him being I was good work for Mosley, was told by Boza my services weren't needed," Smith reiterated.
Not long after those posts, Smith's fortune would change. It turns out that Mayweather decided that Ishe's help was indeed needed in camp for the Cotto fight. After a couple of days of putting in hard work inside the ring that Mayweather has dubbed "The Doghouse", Smith was informed that he would be given a slot on the May 4 Mayweather Promotions Card being held on the eve of Mayweather vs. Cotto. In fact, moments ago, Smith just learned that he will be facing Derek "Pooh" Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs) in a jr. middlweight bout. Smith, who originally moved up to 160 pounds in hopes of finding a decent fight, will be returning to the 154-pound division for the first time in 4 years, his last fight at the weight being unanimous decision victory over then undefeated Pawel Wolak. It's a move that Smith is delighted to make.
"Ponce in the main event, I'm in the co feature against Derek Ennis, some times in life the second chapter is better than the first," Ishe wrote on Twitter. "I don't have much to say, I will continue to let my fist do the talking, happy I'm back at my original weight." Having last fought in November of 2010, Smith has waited a long time to get an opportunity to get his career back on track. There's no doubt that he plans on making the best of it, especially on a card that's taking place in his hometown.
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