Exclusive Interview: Ishe Smith

Ishe "Sugar Shay" Smith will face his biggest challenge, when he faces the undefeated Daniel "The Golden Child" Jacobs on HBO August 22 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The veteran sat down with 8countnews to discuss what he plans to do to get the victory. Ishe is ready to take full advantage of this opportunity. A win over Jacobs can could put him back at the top of his class.

 

 

8CN: So far how is your training camp going?

 

Ishe: Its going really well. Its probably one of my better camps. We've added some secret ingredients into the recipe and I am confident with what we have added and done. I cant wait until August 22 to reveal what those ingredients are closer to the fight. I wouldnt want to give anything away right now.

 

8CN: In your opinion what will it take for you to get the W against Jacobs?

 

Ishe: I have to fight my frame. I havent really paid any attention to him. I've never seen him fight. I dont watch tape anymore. Now that im older. I give the tape to the coach. Its the coaches job to orchestrate the game plan and deliver what he wants me to do. Its my job to go out there and treat him like i've treated everyone else. He is a fighter with 2 fists like me and im going to out and go to war. God willing I'll come out with the win it should be a very exciting fight.

 

8CN: Tell me about your trainer, who is training you?

 

Ishe: I'm trained by one of the best trainers in the world Eddie Mustafa.

 

8CN: You just had to get that shamless plug in there didn't you?

 

Ishe: (laughing) Not only is he a good trainer he's a good father figure. He is the type of guy you can go to for advice. Today we sat around when everyone left and we talked for about 2 hours about life and kids. I think bar none, he is the best trainer in boxing. I consider him a friend. I grew up with a single mother. I didn't have a dad there for me and thats why in my life I try to be there for my kids as much as possible. It's important to let them know that they have a guy who loves them and cares about them no matter what, to let them know that I am not going anywhere.  Men don't realize how bad that affects kids. I'm 31 years old and me not having that guy to go to for advice is troubling at times, but it is great having Eddie there at any given moment.  If I have any problems in my life or need to talk, he is there for me.

 

8CN: Now lets get back to the boxing side. You stated a minute ago that you dont watch videos on Jacobs. You also said you dont know much about him. Jacobs is an undefeated rising star with incredible speed and power. Jacobs has taken out some key opponents with solid records. You have many critics who believe you will be the 18th win for Mr.Jacobs.  Give me your thoughts on that?

 

Ishe: Media people are full of opinions, and some have never fought before. One thing I've learned in my older years is thats exactly what they are, opinions. You have to go out there and be the best fighter you can be and don't listen to the critics. Then I beat him and then they will say oh he's young he never fought anyone that has as much experience as him. It is best not to listen to that stuff. I tend to not read anything that I havent said.  I read every interview that I do to make sure the writer is doing their job. I dont read what my opponents say. When I was younger I read every opinion and that stuff affects you sometimes. Why does this person think this about me? Now I dont care, they can think what they want about me. When that bell sounds and it is time to fight, my trainer and his trainer wont be in the ring. No media people will be in the ring.  Just 2 fighters in the ring, and God willing I am going to come out with the victory.

 

8CN: Your moving up to fight at 160. How do you think you will feel coming in at that weight?

 

Ishe: It's going to be a very positive thing moving up. Im only moving up one weight class. I think this will be a good weight for me to compete at. I've sparred bigger guys in the gym. It is not like I am moving up to 168. 

 

 

8CN: You have been shut out by one certain network. Now HBO is giving you an opportuntiy to fight on their network against a great fighter. This is a well anticipated fight. Are you planning to take full opportunity of this situation?

 

Ishe: Yes..........Definitely

 

8CN:  Do you feel like this is a put up or shut up fight?

 

Ishe: No, I dont feel like that. There was only one network giving me a problem. For what reasons, I dont know why. That network had every right to not put me on. That is their choice. I may not agree with it. What God has planned and what man has planned, is two totally different things. What men thought they were doing to me, God opened up a bigger and better opportunity. Im grateful because had that network not turned me down, this opportunity would not have been available. I've been blessed. This is my second time on HBO and im ecstatic about it. God's plan always wins. You can't stop it no matter how hard you try. Im so not worthy. It's not something I take lightly. Im excited. I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy Promotions, Di Bella Entertainment for the opportunity. This is something im going to take full advantage of.