Mark Smither (11-0) has made the ring walk at the OHL arena in Barrie a hundred times before.
In his dreams.
On July 8th, however, it will be very much for real. Mexico’s Jose Gerardo Jasso (12-2-1, 5 KO) will be waiting impatiently in the ring, with the IBO Americas Super Lightweight belt glinting under the brilliant lights of the Sadlon Arena.
The reigning Canadian champion in the division, Smither is determined to make a statement in his hometown.
“This is great for the city, for the youth, and it’s putting both myself and the city on the map when it comes to sports,” said Smither, who scored a unanimous decision win over an awkward Jorge Rodriguez in his last fight. “I can’t wait to put on a great performance for the entire community.”
As in any title bout, Smither’s opponent is coming to Canada with every intention of winning and progressing his own career. Jasso is a tough customer: A pitbull riding a four-fight winning streak.
“This is a step-up fight for me, (and) he can punch well,” summarized Smither, who has seen film of the Mexican. “I think he starts a little slow (and) I start a little slow, so I’m looking to pick up the pace early.
“I’m going to put volume on him, I’m in great shape to do that and don’t think he can handle my ouput and pace.”
Headlining as a home fighter at the largest venue Barrie has to offer will come with pressure — something Smither has been training a long time for.
“I didn’t really take time off after the Rodriguez fight, I stayed in shape because I knew this Barrie opportunity was going to happen,” reflected the 30 year old, who defended his Canadian belt at the East Bayfield Arena last July. “I’ve been getting some great sparring (with) Cody Kelly, Josh O’Reilly and Lucas Bahdi.
“I’m ready to rock.”
In Mark Smither’s recurring dream, the ending is always the same.
He stands tall, smiling out at the people of his hometown from the ring while a gleaming championship belt is fastened around his waist.
That dream is now within the grasp of reality — and only Jose Gerardo Jasso stands in his way.
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A championship doubleheader of boxing comes to Barrie on Saturday, July 8th, as hometown hero Mark Smither squares off with Mexico’s Gerardo Jasso for the IBO Americas Super Lightweight Championship and Orangeville’s Josh Wagner battles Argentina’s Williams Herrera for the IBO Americas Welterweight Championship. VIP tables and suites are sold out, but bowl seats are available now at ticketpro.ca.
Ringside with Carlos is a column written by United Promotions Ring Announcer Carlos Verde, featuring reflections on Ontario boxing, fighter profiles and feature stories on those in the fight game.
