Andrzej Fonfara/Photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions
Joe Smith Jr. is 21-1 with 17 knockouts and proud owner of a knockout ratio of 77 percent. Apparently, Andrzej Fonfara is not all that impressed.
“I know he has a big punch, because he wins fights by knockout,” said Fonfara, who will take on Smith in the light heavyweight main event Saturday from UIC Pavilion in Chicago (on NBC, 5:30 p.m.). “But who has he knocked out? The guy who was a little bit better, Will Rosinsky, he went the distance (with Smith). He has heavy, wide punches and we will be ready for him.”
Smith, of Long Island, N.Y., wasn’t quite as direct at Thursday’s final news conference. He did predict victory, however.
“Our styles are going to make for an exciting fight,” Smith said. “I expect a war, but I’m prepared for anything. All I know is, I’m going to end the night with my hand raised.”
Fonfara is from Chicago via Poland, so he’ll have the home-ring advantage.
