Four brothers who grew to become boxing champions have new plans as siblings strike out

When four of the same family are British champions, you get the feeling it is a clan that knows a thing or two about boxing.

Now the Smith brothers are entering the next stages of their careers in the sport – by looking to manage the future stars of the sweet science. Former world champions Callum and Liam Smith have not hung up their gloves just yet.

Callum has a huge showdown with Joshua Buatsi on February 22 out in Saudi Arabia which could put him right back in world title contention at light-heavyweight. While Liam is ticking over in the gym waiting for a new date to come.

Stephen is forging a career as a coach while former world title challenger Paul is now entering the world of management. All four are putting their time into a new venture – Smith Brothers Management.

They want to use their vast experience in the sport to help the next generation of boxers. Paul Smith is the co-managing director of the new venture alongside Majid Lavji with Stephen as academy director, while the other two siblings will be giving their valuable experience and time.

Paul said: “As a former boxer turned manager, I have always held a strong belief; fighters deserve better management. In the world of boxing, the athlete is the beating heart of the sport, yet too often they are overshadowed by their managers.

“A true manager should possess a deep understanding of the sport from the ring to the locker room.” The group wants to provide a “comprehensive 360-degree management service that ensures our boxer’s careers are maximised both in and out of the ring”.

They insist they will provide a one-stop shop for fighters delivering contract negotiations, medical care and career planning. Down the M62 in Manchester, Anthony Crolla works alongside Dom McGuinness on Project Boxing to deliver their bespoke management services to boxers alongside coaching and community projects.

That is another exciting project delivering for fighters currently active, young boxers coming through as amateurs and former ones who have fallen a bit on hard times by helping them find career opportunities. The sport needs those who have laced up the gloves staying involved and trying to guide the careers of the next generation.

Smith Brothers management will hopefully be another good addition to the sport.