Preview - Matchroom: Smith vs Mohoumadi

Friday 1st April.

There was no messing about at today’s April Fool’s Day weigh in. All fighters made weight without any issue although young Reece Bellotti’s opponent was still at the airport when he tipped the scales. Even the high-tension rematch between British Lightweight champion Scott Cardle and local favourite Sean “Masher” Dodd, remained in control. Both men were full of confidence and shared words at the head to head but kept their emotions in check.

And another man who have never looked anything other than calm is Callum Smith. The British Super-Middleweight champion appears right at home headlining in his home town. Unfortunately for his opponents he keeps his cool in the ring as well as! However, despite being the smaller man, Hadillah Mohoumadi should not be underestimated. This is an experienced operator who has mixed in decent company and never been stopped. It wouldn’t be a shock if “Mundo” was the first to stop him but it would be impressive. The youngest Smith brother is at an important stage in his career, where he is going to be mixing with better company and his critics will be even less forgiving. It’s been a rapid rise to world level for Callum and he certainly has the ability to be there for a long time. That could all start tomorrow night!

The chief support needs very little introduction. We previewed the first match between Cardle and Dodd as a potential classic and it certainly lived up to that billing. The Scowse fans made their views known today and were loud and proud of the Birkenhead man, who will once again challenge for the British Lightweight title. Despite the first fight being too close for comfort for the champion, he rightfully goes into their second encounter as the favourite. Without disrespecting Dodd’s boxing ability, his best chance of victory could possibly be to once again drag Scott into his sort of fight. Something that Cardle is adamant won’t happen this time round:

“I boxed totally the wrong game [in the last fight]. I went into a hostile reception and thought let’s have it, which was very unprofessional of me. I’ve experienced that and I’m used to that now. You see me today, just smile at the hostile reception. I’m ready for what they have to bring tomorrow. I’ve just got to deal with Dodd and forget his fans. It’s not a hard job if I make it that way.”

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to catch up with “Masher” who was swarmed by supporters and well-wishers but I’m sure he will do his best to have his say tomorrow night in the ring! Let’s hope it’s as action packed as the last time.

Rocky Fielding is looking to bounce back from his devastating first round stoppage loss to his fellow scowser, Callum “Mundo” Smith. He does so against former Smith victim, and former EBU European champion, Christophe Rebrassé (who assures me that his surname does have an accent on the “e”). While the Frenchman has lost twice in his only two previous visits to the UK, he refuses to be a pushover. He remained tight-lipped on whether Fielding is at the same level of his previous English foes and is looking forward to the occasion.

“Yes [I’m confident]. Every time I step into the ring I am very confident and have belief”

From his previous visits to these shores it is clear that the Frenchman is durable and Fielding should be well prepared to go the distance. Again, it’s a fight where you have to appreciate the Matchroom man is the favourite however credit must be given for returning to action in a real test of his mettle. With Rocky’s fan friendly style (and heavy hands) combined with Rebrassé’s toughness, this could the one to watch tomorrow evening.

Gallagher’s Gym product Marcus Morrison looked in fantastic shape once again as he tipped the scales and as a British Boxing Blog interviewee, he is one we have watched for a while. He has looked sensational in his previous outings so he will be looking to continue his progress with another top display.

Another intriguing rematch on the card is a replay of the Prizefighter Middleweight contest between “Cool Hand” Luke Keeler and undefeated “Dazzling” Tom Doran. Doran took their three round contest on points but Keeler will be out for revenge for the only blemish on his professional ledger. With the WBC International Middleweight title on the line as well, this is another addition to what is potentially a fantastic night of boxing.