Stephen Smith retired from boxing in 2021 at the age of 35, quietly closing the book on a career that perhaps deserved a more fitting final chapter. His last bout — a routine six-round points win in Liverpool back in 2019 — was hardly the grand farewell a fighter of his calibre had earned.
Still, Smith’s career was one to be proud of: two ABA titles as an amateur, a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, British and Commonwealth belts as a professional, and two shots at a world title. Though both world title attempts ended in defeat — to José Pedraza and Jason Sosa — the Liverpudlian insists he gave everything.
“I can’t lie and say I didn’t turn pro to become a world champion,” Smith tells Boxing News. “That was always my ambition. I gave everything I had. A bit of luck, and maybe I’d have done it. But there are no regrets.”
What lingers most for Smith isn’t the losses — it’s the lack of closure. After boxing ground to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith took it as a sign to walk away.
“When boxing came back, it was those small garden shows, and they weren’t for me. Later, when the big shows returned, I wondered if I’d made the right decision. But being 35 and inactive for 18 months — especially at super-featherweight — I knew it was the right call. If I’d lost to someone I shouldn’t have, that would’ve hurt more than retiring the way I did.”
Now 40, Smith has found a new calling — one that seems as natural to him as boxing itself.
A Trainer in Demand
Smith is now a trainer — and not just any trainer. Among his growing stable is former undisputed super-lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron, who calls working with Smith the best move of her career.
“I’ve always lived my life around boxing,” Smith says. “People used to tell me I’d be a good coach. I read fights well, tactically I’m sharp — and now that I’m doing it, I know I was meant for this. It suits me down to the ground.”
The transition into coaching didn’t happen overnight. After retirement, Smith took time to figure out his next move. Eventually, the pull of the sport — and the desire to stay close to it — led him to the corner.
“I still miss boxing. Coaching isn’t the same, but it’s the closest thing. And once I started, I realised how much I love being part of my fighters’ journeys.”
Cameron has praised Smith not just for his technical coaching, but for his personal investment in his fighters. “When you’re in the gym every day, you don’t realise the bond you’re building. But I care deeply about them. I want them to know I’m in this with them — 100 percent.”
A Family Man in a Fighter’s World
Smith draws parallels between training fighters and watching his brothers — Callum, Liam, and Paul — fight throughout their own careers.
“It’s harder watching someone you care about fight than doing it yourself. When you’re in there, you can control things. From the outside, all you can do is shout and hope it helps.”
Faith still plays a role in his routine. “I used to pray before every fight — not to win, just to perform and for both of us to be safe. I do the same now before my fighters step into the ring. I want to help them, never hinder them.”
No Time to Waste
If Smith thought life would slow down after retiring, he was mistaken. “I’ve got way less time now! Training is way more time-consuming than I expected. I train fighters one-on-one, I do the runs with them — it’s non-stop. I used to think I’d train six fighters, but realistically, I can’t take on too many. I want to give each one the attention they deserve.”
That commitment starts with connection. “Whenever someone approaches me about training, I meet them first. If we don’t click, it won’t work. I want good people in the gym — no bad apples. We need to trust each other. We go into battle together.”
Cameron & Smith: A Promising Partnership
Chantelle Cameron, in particular, seems to have found the right fit after a frustrating search for the right coach. Since joining forces with Smith, she’s looked rejuvenated.
Their partnership got off to a strong start with a win over Jessica Camara in July, on the same card where Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano for the third time.
Cameron is eyeing a trilogy with Taylor of her own, but even if that doesn’t materialize, her WBC mandatory challenger status should secure her another world title shot soon. And this time, she says, it’s not just about her.
“Now I have a coach who makes me want to be a world champion again,” Cameron says. “I want to win it for Stephen just as much as I want it for myself.”
Smith sees untapped potential in her as well. “I think the best of Chantelle is still to come. There were reasons for the Katie loss in the rematch. From what I’ve seen already — the work she’s putting in, the tweaks we’re making — I’m very confident. I told her from the start, we’re not changing her — we’re adding to her.”
New Talent on the Rise
Smith’s growing stable also includes Olympic legend Jade Jones, the two-time taekwondo gold medalist who recently made the switch to boxing.
“Jade’s doing really well,” Smith says. “She’s making massive improvements. Her athleticism and mentality are elite — she’s a proper athlete.”
From the Ring to the Corner — With Purpose
Stephen Smith may not have captured a world title in the ring, but he’s well on his way to doing so from the corner. As his fighters climb the ranks and make headlines, Smith’s reputation as a top-tier trainer continues to grow.
For Smith, it’s about more than technique — it’s about trust, connection, and belief. “This isn’t just a job. I’m all in. I’ve put my whole life into boxing — first as a fighter, and now as a coach. I want my fighters to know I’ve got their back. Always.”
