Kirk Garvey set for Southern Area title shot after ‘Sniper’ Smith is caught in his crossfire
By Richard Cawley
Kirk Garvey is set to challenge for the Southern Area light-heavyweight title after a seventh-round stoppage of Sam Smith on Saturday.
The 28-year-old from Clapham switched into the professional ranks in 2014 and has compiled a 10-1 record.
Garvey took down Smith – nicknamed Sniper – at the Camden Centre in Kings Cross in an eliminator to box for the Southern Area belt. That is held by Ilford’s Anthony Yarde but he is world-ranked by the WBO and looks set to vacate.
Garvey was knocked down in the first round but recovered to punch Smith out of the ring. The Swindon man managed to get back inside and beat the count but the contest was waved off.
“It is my biggest win as a pro,” said Garvey, who was a leading amateur fighter for Earlsfield ABC. “I should box for the Southern Area title in my next fight.
“I caught him with a couple of shots halfway through the first round and thought I had him. I went a little bit gung-ho and got caught with a shot myself. It wasn’t really a big punch, he just caught me off-guard. It was more of a flash knockdown. My head was fine and my legs were strong.
“It was a close fight but I always felt that I was a bit more in control after that. I could feel him getting more and more tired as the rounds went on.
“We were setting a high pace and I knew he was wilting a little bit in the last two rounds. Sam was tough, game – he wouldn’t quit. Even when I put him down at the end he clambered back through the ropes. He was as tough as they come.
“Yarde sounds as if he will be vacating soon. I’m not sure who I would face for the belt – they might give two other boxers a chance to box off for it and then the winner boxes me.
“I’m hoping I will box in May or June for it. Once I win that then I’ll be in the frame for maybe getting a crack at the English title by the end of this year. Once you get your name on the map then you never know what might get offered to you.”
Garvey won 13 national ABA titles as a junior and a senior during his amateur days, representing England.
He admits his progress has been slow since switching to the paid game.
“I definitely should have been past Southern Area by now,” said Garvey. “It is just about getting the opportunity – it hasn’t been there. Things have happened in my career.
“I’ve never taken any time out of boxing, I’ve just kept on going. I’ve never stopped being in the gym. But I have changed management and promoters – that’s been the hold-up regarding my career.
“I’ve always been ready to fight and hopefully now I can start making a name for myself.”
Clapham heavyweight Joe “Juggernaut” Joyce aims to improve his record to 3-0 as he faces American Donnie Palmer (9-1-1) at Bethnal Green’s York Hall tomorrow night. The 32-year-old – promoted by David Haye – is being fast-tracked since ending his amateur career.
Joyce kicked off his professional life with a stoppage win over tough Brixton puncher Ian Lewison and
followed up with a KO of Rudolf Jozic.
Boston-born Palmer is 6ft 10in tall.
Joyce said: “I’ve sparred people like Tyson Fury but Palmer is probably the tallest guy I have boxed.
“He has been talking a lot in the build-up to this one but talk is cheap. Let’s see if he can handle the
Juggernaut.”
Joyce is also scheduled to appear on the big May 5 show at Greenwich’s 02 Arena which is being headlined by Haye, rematching Tony Bellew. The plan had been for the Olympian, a silver medallist in Brazil, to face Dereck Chisora.
Bellew took a pop at Haye during a recent press conference – calling into question why Joyce-Chisora should be put on undercard, rather than the Haymaker’s own promotional company.
Joyce said: “What has it got to do with Bellew? How does it affect him? Maybe he’s just worried that I will steal some of the spotlight.”
Dillian Whyte’s WBC silver heavyweight title fight against Lucas Browne at the 02 on March 24 has a strong South London undercard.
Brixton’s Whyte will be supported by Bermondsey’s Chris Kongo, undefeated Walworth cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe and Crystal Palace light-heavyweight Craig “Spider” Richards.
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
