Ishe Smith (25-5, 11 KO's) made history last night (February 23rd) by becoming the first ever Las Vegas-born fighter to win a world title. He did this by defeating IBF light-middleweight world champ Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage via split decision at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.It was a tentative start from both men. Neither of the two fighters were able to take the initiative in the opening rounds, leaving it an incredibly hard fight for the judges to score at this point. Thankfully for the judges, and the fans, Smith upped his work rate from the 3rd round onward and brought the fight to his 39-year old opponent. Smith's come-forward pressure fighting took Bundrage by surprise. He was being beaten at his own game. Bundrage chose not to meet fire with fire and instead seemed content to just run away, something we are not used to seeing from the old warrior.
