Garrett Smylie vs Joe Craven

YOKKAO 52 | Manchester, England | September 12th

Two of the UK and Ireland’s best collide in Manchester as two-time world champion and WMO No. 9-ranked Garrett Smylie takes on UK No. 1 Joe Craven.

Both men enter the contest looking to bounce back from recent defeats, making this a high-stakes opportunity for two fighters eager to return to the win column.

Before his recent defeat to Angel Bauza, Smylie had put together an impressive eight-fight winning streak. The Northern Irish native now faces another stern test against one of the toughest fighters on the UK scene.

Standing across from him is Joe Craven, the UK No. 1 fighting out of Bad Company Gym. A former ISKA World Champion, Craven has built his reputation on aggression, power and an unwillingness to take a backwards step.

Two Fighters Who Know No Retreat

Craven is as tough as they come.

We have seen him dropped in the opening rounds of fights only to battle his way back and claim victory. That resilience makes him a nightmare for opponents who lack the power to put him away.

Fighting in the traditional Bad Company style, Craven brings constant pressure, heavy shots and an aggressive approach that forces his opponents to fight at his pace.

Smylie presents a very different challenge.

The technical southpaw prefers to work from range, using longer shots to pepper his opponents before looking for the finish. His awkward angles and ability to create openings from positions his opponents don't expect make him a difficult fighter to read.

And when Smylie gets hurt, he doesn't necessarily retreat.

He has shown the ability to change gears, step forward and turn the fight back into a firefight.

Something Has To Give

This is a fascinating matchup between two fighters with very different approaches.

Can Craven close the distance, apply pressure and turn the fight into the kind of physical battle where his toughness and power become decisive?

Or can Smylie control the range, use his southpaw angles and pick Craven apart before finding the openings he needs?

Both men possess the skill, experience and power to end this fight early.

But if neither can find the finish, expect a war.

September 12th. Manchester.

Garrett Smylie vs Joe Craven.