Ishe Smith replies to Criscio accusations about Chad Dawson
The boxing world hasn’t seen drama like this for some time. Since Chad Dawson’s surprisingly loss last weekend to WBC, IBO and Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal, his personal life has become the Lady Gaga headliner of every major boxing source. And in proper tabloid fashion, with more and more fighters and sources weighing in daily. Immediately after the fight, fingers pointed at reasons in the ring as to why Dawson had lost. But with Michael Marley of the Boxing Examiner heading the pack, speculations abound as to a new out-of-the-ring explanation: Dawson had been besieged with serious financial and managerial burdens.
Long-time Dawson manager Mike Criscio, who was recently dropped by Dawson, weighed in by stating that Dawson in fact had fallen into bad company and become financially irresponsible. He also criticized the fighter for failing to train properly for the Pascal fight, and for bringing his family to his Las Vegas training camp beforehand.
Today professional boxer Ishe Smith weighed in, writing a detailed letter to Boxingscene.com. Smith responded to Criscio’s accusation that Dawson’s sparring sessions for the Pascal bout were a “waste of time” by saying: “I watched this guy [Dawson] go 15 rounds one day, 4 minute rounds with 30 seconds rest. I was one of about 6 sparring partners he had, so I don’t know why the h**l Criscio would say it was a waste of time. He had great sparring, and worked his a*s off for the fight against [Jean] Pascal. He just had an off night, and we have all been there.”
In closing, Smith issued a challenge to Criscio and his crew, as well as word about not speaking about Dawson’s private life: “I don’t know about all the personal issues surrounding Chad, and frankly it is none of my business, all I know is he was a class act in camp and a great guy to help out.” He continued: “Mike, here is a special word to you...if it was such a waste of time, why don’t you put your other fighter in there with me [Alfredo Angulo], and I will show the world what kind of waste of time it was when I kick his a*s. I don’t need to say any names because everyone knows who I am talking about.”
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