Anth Hardy is just a month away from a key moment in his career.
Horden’s ‘Hitman’ will take on unbeaten Londoner Jez Smith at the York Hall on Saturday, September 28.
While not in the career-defining category, the 26-year-old’s visit to the famous Eastend venue could certainly provide a significant stimulus if he inflicts a first defeat on his opponent.
Hardy is in good fettle, having collected his 10th professional win by outpointing Michael Williams in Houghton in July, when the Gus Robinson Developments southpaw returned to the ring after a 15-month hiatus.
Smith has also picked up 10 wins, plus one draw, since turning pro three and a half years ago and his people are stepping him up here on this British Warrior Boxing Promotion event.
“We said after the Williams fight that we were going to have a go and that’s what we’re doing,” Gus Robinson Developments head coach Peter Cope told punch-lines. “Anth’s in good nick and he’s only four to five pounds above the limit.
“He performed well at the Rainton Meadows after such a long period out.
“A good Anth, on his game, can more than compete at this level.
“He’s only lost twice, once was a split decision for the English title and the other time he was caught cold in the first round. He’s never been outclassed.
“Anth’s at the right age and has the ability to be challenging at this level, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Smith, of course, is the most common name in the land, but if it sounds familiar, it is because Jez is the younger brother of Mitchell, who beat Hardy’s then Gus Robinson Developments team-mate, Peter Cope Jnr, to win the vacant English super featherweight title in the summer of 2014.
Jez, like his sibling, is a pretty good operator, and has home advantage.
“You’d have to say Anth is the best he’s fought,” said Cope Snr. “Jez is quite tall and comes and has a go.
“He’s probably not got his brother’s ability but he’s good and we’re looking forward to Anth going in with him.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
