John Fernandes will have no problem traveling to compete for European titles, and what's more, he takes inspiration from the exploits of the hard-hitting Spanish legend, who has enjoyed plenty of success in Britain and Ireland over the years.
A September date is expected to be announced soon after Matchroom Boxing acquired the rights to host the vacant European title bout between John and Dalton Smith. Fernandez will emerge as a dangerous puncher in the mold of “La Sensación” Kiko Martinez.
“There’s nothing wrong with playing in Sheffield or abroad, Kiko Martinez is in the same team as us and they had a great win. [Kid] It’s Galahad so it’s fine,” Fernandez said. Boxing News.
Dalton Smith is steadily improving and had a spectacular fight in his last bout, beating Jose Cepeda. The former world-class fighter is still a threat, but Cepeda may not be the threat he once was.
“Dalton is a very good fighter, a good operator and he performed very well against Cepeda. I think Cepeda tried to do a little too much,” Fernandez opined.
“He's had some great wins in the past, but fighting Dalton on his home turf will be a good test for me, and for Dalton fighting me will be a very good and interesting test to see what level he's at.”
Dalton Smith lands a right hook on Jose Cepeda during a super lightweight bout at Utilita Area Sheffield in Sheffield, England on March 23, 2024. (George Wood/Getty Images)
Fernandez was last seen destroying former WBA world champion Jezreel Corrales in a 10-round defeat, and Dalton Smith, who describes the Panamanian as a crafty customer and an experienced and complex manipulator, shouldn't be too hard to find in the ring.
John has 22 knockouts to his name, so this could be a tough, fan-friendly fight, and Smith has already mentioned John is a known puncher.
Indeed, to most observers, this is the first thing that stands out, and while Fernandes is content to unsettle opponents with his statistics, he has other attributes he can rely on.
“Obviously, my punching power is proven. It's not just my knockout power that he has to worry about. I'm also very good at technique, so I'll be tactically well prepared for my bout with Dalton.”
“I have 100 per cent confidence in my team and I will follow their instructions and tactics before the fight. But I also think it's very good for a boxer to strategically observe the fighter he is facing, because it will be him who will be in the ring and see how he faces the challenge,” he added.
Smith, coming into the fight as an unbeaten prospect, will be seen by many as the favourite, but Fernandes sees this as an opportunity to get a win and reignite his career by returning to world class status.
“Yes, Dalton is an unbeaten prospect. He is very highly rated by all organizations, especially the WBC. For me, a win in this European title fight would put me in a very good position with the WBC and get me closer to a world title shot.”
It's a chance to follow in the footsteps of Kiko Martinez, the diminutive power puncher from Valenciana who achieved global glory and the EBU title in 2007 by defeating Bernard Dunne in front of an astounded home crowd.
The Dubliner was unbeaten and had been hailed by the Irish national media, but on that warm August night 17 years ago, Kiko tore up the pre-written script, shook every last bit in an electrified Point Depot arena.
Sheffield fans were given a warning when Dalton repeated the same trick against Kid Galahad many years later, charging into enemy territory and knocking him out with a blitz.
“Kiko is an inspiration not only to Spanish boxers but to boxing worldwide. With pure determination he always goes to boxers' backyards and faces adversity like Galahad,” said John Fernandez.
“He lost as the losing side but he turned it around. He's an inspiration to boxers and athletes in general.”
Although Kiko pulled off the ultimate upset, Fernandez is well aware that the responsibility of preparing, showing up and performing rests entirely on his shoulders.
“This is a very important fight for both of our careers. I'm very excited and I know Dalton is too. It's been my dream ever since I turned professional to fight in Britain and on such a big stage for the European title. It will be a tough fight but hopefully the stronger fighter will prevail.”
