Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
After almost a year and a half without one of boxing’s great journeymen, World Boxing News is looking back at the 161-fight career of Worcestershire warrior Ernie Smith, concentrating on his contribution in the ring, rather than the tragic way his life ended out of it.
Smith turned professional at super-featherweight in 1998 at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolverhampton, losing a six rounder against Welshman Woody Greenaway.
One month later, Ernie was thrown in with an unknown prospect by the name of Gavin Rees (former world champion and current British Lightweight Champion) who he also took the distance over four rounds.
The “Gypsy Boy” then managed to string together a four fight unbeaten run together in early 1999 and ended the year winning five out of his twelve contests, but by this time had already delved into the journeyman pool of boxers with a record of 5-8-1.
After settling at the welterweight limit, Ernie gained a surprise shot at the British Midlands Area Title in August 2000 against the classy Jawaid Khaliq and despite a brave effort, was knocked out in the fourth round in his first title bout.
Later that year, Ernie took another star in the making the distance, when he travelled to Manchester and was out-pointed in a gallant display against the talented future British Champion Michael Jennings over four rounds.
In his first two years as a pro, Ernie had built up a rivalry with another fellow journeyman in Brian Coleman, who he faced for a fifth time in May 2001 and recorded his second victory over the Brummie, inflicting his 101st defeat.
It was only Ernie’s second win in two years as he continued to travel anywhere, at any notice, just to be a part of the game he loved and dedicated his life to. It was a rare highlight for Smith, who rain or shine would await his next bout with eager anticipation.
After a two-round defeat to Ross Minter in late 2001, Ernie recorded his eighth professional victory and the only ever knockout of his career against Martin Scotland at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, before two months later, stepping in at late notice to face old foe Gavin Rees and losing in five rounds.
His next fight didn’t get any easier at he was thrown in with WBO Super-Featherweight Champion Ricky Burns, but he took the future champion the full six rounds, before Burns recorded his fourth win in four contests.
Ernie would record another two victories over the next year leading up to him taking Lenny Daws the full four rounds and also taking future Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Lee McAllister the distance for a third time in 2003 in November.
In September 2004, Ernie was again out-pointed by Daws, quickly followed by back-to-back points defeats to John Murray and John O’Donnell, who have now racked up 45 wins, with one loss between them and both held titles domestically.
Just 13 days after the O’Donnell loss, Ernie recorded his eleventh victory by decisioning Joe Mitchell over six rounds at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre and in early 2005, took a personal victory out of Ross Minter, by lasting the four rounds in their second fight after being knocked out in a couple in their previous meeting.
In the May of that year, Ernie recorded a couple of draws either side of taking the slick Sheffield boxer Kell Brook the full six rounds on Brook’s home soil at the Octagon Centre, yet another stubborn display by Smith, who was now campaigning at middleweight.
A points defeat to Martin Concepcion on the Scott Harrison v Michael Brodie undercard, lead Smith into his twelfth victory over the previously undefeated Richard Mazurek, who never recovered from the loss and would only win two out of his next eight bouts before retiring.
In September 2005, Ernie would face Darren Barker and Nathan Cleverly within two weeks of each other, taking both fighters the distance and showing that he never feared any challenge and was always ready to fight, no matter who the opponent was or how daunting the task.
He then stepped in the ring with Kell Brook once again, losing all four rounds, but again giving the prospect a real battle for the second time and making him work for the victory, he never made it easy for any of his opponents and they always knew they had been in a fight.
A month later and Ernie gained the final victory of his career, a points victory over George Hillyard (2-0), a fitting way to card his last win as he took away the Londoner’s unbeaten record by out-foxing “The Grill” at the York Hall in Bethnal Green over four rounds.
In late 2005, up and coming Anthony Small earned his ninth win against Smith in a six round contest and in April 2006, Ernie went the distance with Kell Brook for a third time at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh.
Later that year, Ernie fought on the undercard of Clinton Woods’ IBF Light-Heavyweight Title defence against current Super-Six star and former world champion Glen Johnson, a card which also featured current WBA Champion Amir Khan, alongside Ernie’s twin brother Billy.
Into 2007 and Ernie was foraying into the super-middleweight division at his heaviest, but eventually settled at middleweight, losing to Ricky Burns for a second time whilst he weighed 16lbs more than the future champion, which shows Ernie’s willingness to help anyone at any weight division.
Ernie fought big punching scouser Joe Selkirk in 2008, giving the Liverpudlian some much needed experience in only his second fight and gave Jamie Ball (6-0) the full four rounds in his penultimate fight.
Ernie fought on July 2009 against Swindon’s Marlon Reid, who will now have the honour of being the last man to share a ring with one of boxing’s true gentlemen, he lost in the first round, but losing never seem to waiver his love for the sport.
Ernie travelled as far a-field as Spain in his boxing career, never turning down an offer and fought in some of Britain’s greatest boxing arenas, on some of the best fight cards Britain has staged in recent years and the “Gypsy Boy’s” untimely death in January 2010 will forever be a sore loss to our great sport.
People will forever remember Ernie for his contribution to boxing as those involved in boxing only had good words for the man and without the likes of Ernie and his twin Brother Billy, there wouldn’t be able to be this sport we all love.
Out of 161 opponents, Ernie was only stopped on 19 occasions, which is not only a reflection of his boxing chin, but of his skills in the ring to keep himself out of trouble.
Ernie’s final fight record: Won 13 (1 KO) Lost 142 (19 KO) Draw 5
“Ernie Smith was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in boxing so far. He was a true gent and always came to give the young lads a go as does his brother Billy. I had many meetings over the years in shows up and down the country he was a stand out guy, the first guy to say hi and the first to say bye. What a credit to British Boxing he was and will always remain a big part of my boxing life.” – Lee McAllister (who fought Ernie three times)
“Ernie smith was a true fighter! Always ready, available and always entertaining, the boxing world misses you pal. It was an honour to have shared a ring with you.” – Martin Concepcion (fought Ernie in 2005)
“I boxed Ernie Smith in my third fight and he was, even until this day, the biggest learning curve for me. He knew how to hold and make me look like it was me and he talked the hole way through the fight. He said to me after the fight, that I was one of the best he had boxed, but I had to learn the tricks of the trade if I wanted to move on to bigger and better things, which I listened to and appreciate him for. It was a pleasure to box Ernie and I was sorry that I never showed him the respect that he deserved.” – George Hillyard (fought Ernie in 2005)
“Ernie will be sadly missed in the boxing community. I am very sad to hear that I was the last boxer he boxed. God bless.” - Marlon Reid (Ernie’s last fight opponent)
“Ernie was a really good dad and loved his three kids (2 girls and Ernie Jr.) so much. He was a brilliant twin brother, I couldnt of asked 4 a better brother than Ernie and i loved him so much. He was the kind man who would do anything for anyone and ask for nothing in return, very kind hearted. He taught me a lot in the boxing trade and it is paying off to keep his memory going. Words cannot say how much I miss him, R.I.P Bro, loves and missus you loads.” – Billy Smith (Ernie’s twin brother)
I would just like to say that it was a pleasure to write this article and I thank Billy Smith for his kind words.
WBN Editor
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| (picure by boxrec.com) |
Smith turned professional at super-featherweight in 1998 at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolverhampton, losing a six rounder against Welshman Woody Greenaway.
One month later, Ernie was thrown in with an unknown prospect by the name of Gavin Rees (former world champion and current British Lightweight Champion) who he also took the distance over four rounds.
The “Gypsy Boy” then managed to string together a four fight unbeaten run together in early 1999 and ended the year winning five out of his twelve contests, but by this time had already delved into the journeyman pool of boxers with a record of 5-8-1.
After settling at the welterweight limit, Ernie gained a surprise shot at the British Midlands Area Title in August 2000 against the classy Jawaid Khaliq and despite a brave effort, was knocked out in the fourth round in his first title bout.
Later that year, Ernie took another star in the making the distance, when he travelled to Manchester and was out-pointed in a gallant display against the talented future British Champion Michael Jennings over four rounds.
In his first two years as a pro, Ernie had built up a rivalry with another fellow journeyman in Brian Coleman, who he faced for a fifth time in May 2001 and recorded his second victory over the Brummie, inflicting his 101st defeat.
It was only Ernie’s second win in two years as he continued to travel anywhere, at any notice, just to be a part of the game he loved and dedicated his life to. It was a rare highlight for Smith, who rain or shine would await his next bout with eager anticipation.
After a two-round defeat to Ross Minter in late 2001, Ernie recorded his eighth professional victory and the only ever knockout of his career against Martin Scotland at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, before two months later, stepping in at late notice to face old foe Gavin Rees and losing in five rounds.
His next fight didn’t get any easier at he was thrown in with WBO Super-Featherweight Champion Ricky Burns, but he took the future champion the full six rounds, before Burns recorded his fourth win in four contests.
Ernie would record another two victories over the next year leading up to him taking Lenny Daws the full four rounds and also taking future Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Lee McAllister the distance for a third time in 2003 in November.
In September 2004, Ernie was again out-pointed by Daws, quickly followed by back-to-back points defeats to John Murray and John O’Donnell, who have now racked up 45 wins, with one loss between them and both held titles domestically.
Just 13 days after the O’Donnell loss, Ernie recorded his eleventh victory by decisioning Joe Mitchell over six rounds at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre and in early 2005, took a personal victory out of Ross Minter, by lasting the four rounds in their second fight after being knocked out in a couple in their previous meeting.
In the May of that year, Ernie recorded a couple of draws either side of taking the slick Sheffield boxer Kell Brook the full six rounds on Brook’s home soil at the Octagon Centre, yet another stubborn display by Smith, who was now campaigning at middleweight.
A points defeat to Martin Concepcion on the Scott Harrison v Michael Brodie undercard, lead Smith into his twelfth victory over the previously undefeated Richard Mazurek, who never recovered from the loss and would only win two out of his next eight bouts before retiring.
In September 2005, Ernie would face Darren Barker and Nathan Cleverly within two weeks of each other, taking both fighters the distance and showing that he never feared any challenge and was always ready to fight, no matter who the opponent was or how daunting the task.
He then stepped in the ring with Kell Brook once again, losing all four rounds, but again giving the prospect a real battle for the second time and making him work for the victory, he never made it easy for any of his opponents and they always knew they had been in a fight.
A month later and Ernie gained the final victory of his career, a points victory over George Hillyard (2-0), a fitting way to card his last win as he took away the Londoner’s unbeaten record by out-foxing “The Grill” at the York Hall in Bethnal Green over four rounds.
In late 2005, up and coming Anthony Small earned his ninth win against Smith in a six round contest and in April 2006, Ernie went the distance with Kell Brook for a third time at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh.
Later that year, Ernie fought on the undercard of Clinton Woods’ IBF Light-Heavyweight Title defence against current Super-Six star and former world champion Glen Johnson, a card which also featured current WBA Champion Amir Khan, alongside Ernie’s twin brother Billy.
Into 2007 and Ernie was foraying into the super-middleweight division at his heaviest, but eventually settled at middleweight, losing to Ricky Burns for a second time whilst he weighed 16lbs more than the future champion, which shows Ernie’s willingness to help anyone at any weight division.
Ernie fought big punching scouser Joe Selkirk in 2008, giving the Liverpudlian some much needed experience in only his second fight and gave Jamie Ball (6-0) the full four rounds in his penultimate fight.
Ernie fought on July 2009 against Swindon’s Marlon Reid, who will now have the honour of being the last man to share a ring with one of boxing’s true gentlemen, he lost in the first round, but losing never seem to waiver his love for the sport.
Ernie travelled as far a-field as Spain in his boxing career, never turning down an offer and fought in some of Britain’s greatest boxing arenas, on some of the best fight cards Britain has staged in recent years and the “Gypsy Boy’s” untimely death in January 2010 will forever be a sore loss to our great sport.
People will forever remember Ernie for his contribution to boxing as those involved in boxing only had good words for the man and without the likes of Ernie and his twin Brother Billy, there wouldn’t be able to be this sport we all love.
Out of 161 opponents, Ernie was only stopped on 19 occasions, which is not only a reflection of his boxing chin, but of his skills in the ring to keep himself out of trouble.
Ernie’s final fight record: Won 13 (1 KO) Lost 142 (19 KO) Draw 5
“Ernie Smith was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in boxing so far. He was a true gent and always came to give the young lads a go as does his brother Billy. I had many meetings over the years in shows up and down the country he was a stand out guy, the first guy to say hi and the first to say bye. What a credit to British Boxing he was and will always remain a big part of my boxing life.” – Lee McAllister (who fought Ernie three times)
“Ernie smith was a true fighter! Always ready, available and always entertaining, the boxing world misses you pal. It was an honour to have shared a ring with you.” – Martin Concepcion (fought Ernie in 2005)
“I boxed Ernie Smith in my third fight and he was, even until this day, the biggest learning curve for me. He knew how to hold and make me look like it was me and he talked the hole way through the fight. He said to me after the fight, that I was one of the best he had boxed, but I had to learn the tricks of the trade if I wanted to move on to bigger and better things, which I listened to and appreciate him for. It was a pleasure to box Ernie and I was sorry that I never showed him the respect that he deserved.” – George Hillyard (fought Ernie in 2005)
“Ernie will be sadly missed in the boxing community. I am very sad to hear that I was the last boxer he boxed. God bless.” - Marlon Reid (Ernie’s last fight opponent)
“Ernie was a really good dad and loved his three kids (2 girls and Ernie Jr.) so much. He was a brilliant twin brother, I couldnt of asked 4 a better brother than Ernie and i loved him so much. He was the kind man who would do anything for anyone and ask for nothing in return, very kind hearted. He taught me a lot in the boxing trade and it is paying off to keep his memory going. Words cannot say how much I miss him, R.I.P Bro, loves and missus you loads.” – Billy Smith (Ernie’s twin brother)
I would just like to say that it was a pleasure to write this article and I thank Billy Smith for his kind words.