Steve Geffrard replaces Callum Johnson, who tested positive for COVID-19
Featherweight contender Abraham Nova will now face William “El Gago” Encarnacion in the co-feature
Smith-Geffrard & Nova-Encarnacion will air LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
British puncher Callum Johnson tested positive for COVID-19, so WBO light heavyweight world champion Joe SmithJr.(27-3, 21 KOs) will now make his first title defense against an unlikely contender in Steve Geffrard (18-2, 12KOs) on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Turning Stone Resort Casino and LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
The hard-hitting Miami man has only ever won the WBO Asia Pacific light heavyweight title and now he has jumped up several levels to fight for the World championship.
It means that several other available, more worthy challengers have been passed over, such as world title contender Craig Richards (17-2-1, 10KOs), from Crystal Palace, England, who immediately dropped his name into the hat when news broke of Johnson's withdrawal.
The 'Spider' took to Twitter to promote his chances of becoming the stand-in opponent, instantly tweeting: "5-day camp, hmm why not?"
He then added: "Ok bags packed… location and flight times and fight week schedule please."
Unfortunately, his campaign didn't come to fruition and the WBA #9 was overlooked for a lesser opponent.
Although the 31-year-old Geffrard is a little underwhelming as a replacement to Callum Johnson, the Floridian lost his opening two fights way back in 2013 but hasn't lost now for over eight years and 18 fights. Five of his last six victories ended early.
"I give Steve credit for taking this fight on short notice,” Smith said. “He is a tough guy, and I expect him to bring everything he has for this opportunity. I'm ready to fight regardless of who is in the ring with me. My goal is the same, which is to defend my world title and keep it on Long Island where it belongs."
Geffrard said, “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s crazy how boxing works. One moment I’m thinking about boxing on a local show, then the phone rings for a chance to fight for the WBO world title on ESPN. Unreal!”
Smith Jr, the fighting pride of Long Island, won the title last April with a majority decision over Maxim Vlasov. His proposed October return was postponed due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, and with Johnson out, he turns his attention to Geffrard (18-2, 12 KOs), a 31-year-old native of Miami, Florida.
Geffrard is a nine-year pro who has won 18 straight fights since starting his career 0-2. He upped his record to 18-2 last March, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over longtime contender Denis Grachev. Geffrard had a fight scheduled for Jan. 8 in Delray Beach, Florida, but the “South Florida Cinderella Man” jumped at the chance to fight Smith on eight days’ notice.
In the 10-round co-feature, featherweight contender Abraham Nova (20-0, 14 KOs), who was originally slated to fight Jose Enrique Vivas, will fight Dominican veteran William “El Gago” Encarnacion (19-1, 15 KOs) after Vivas dropped out with an injury.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.
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