Ishe Smith believes his time has arrived

Dean Juipe

Thursday, July 31, 2003 | 9:28 a.m.

Their records are similar and so are their backgrounds, yet Ishe Smith feels he has the upper hand on David Estrada and will be looking to prove it tonight in a televised fight on the Showtime cable network.

Smith, of Las Vegas, and Estrada are scheduled for 10 rounds at 147 pounds and headline a card at the Kewani Casino in Sault Saint Marie, Mich.

Smith, who turned 25 last week, is 15-0 with seven knockouts.

Estrada, 24, is 12-0 with seven KOs.

Both men served as sparring partners for Fernando Vargas a year ago when the latter was preparing for a fight with Oscar De La Hoya.

"I have respect for anybody with an undefeated record, but, to me, he's just mediocre," Smith said of Estrada. "I don't think he's on my level.

"I'm quicker, smarter, more intelligent."

Smith's manager, Mike Levy, hopes his fighter is correct.

"This is a great fight on paper but it's still a risk," Levy said. "It's absolutely a step up for Ishe and that's one reason we took the fight, because it moves him closer to a title fight.

"We know Estrada is durable and tough, but we're well prepared. We really don't have any fear of losing."

Smith has gained considerable attention since his stint in Vargas' camp and will be fighting for a third consecutive time on national TV. In April on Showtime he outpointed Sam Garr and last month on ESPN2 he used a left hook to the body to stop Sal Lopez in the second round.

Estrada, a Miami-based fighter who is trained by legendary Angelo Dundee, figures to be tougher than either Garr or Lopez and is likely Smith's greatest challenge to date. Estrada is a noted body puncher and has the ability to switch to southpaw when the situation dictates.

"A year ago I couldn't have imagined I'd be where I'm at today," Smith said. "It's truly been a blessing. I've graduated from fighting for Guilty (Boxing) at the Orleans to getting these fights on TV."

A couple of behind-the-scenes changes have aided Smith's advancement. Levy replaced Smith's mother as his manager, and Danny Smith (no relation) was brought in as lead trainer.

"Danny's enhanced Ishe's style," Levy said. "And me being there for him instead of his mom has added to his stability."

Ishe Smith agreed, saying, "I needed time to grow. I look at my old tapes and the difference in my style is like night and day. Danny's brought out the best in me."

A renowned amateur fighter in Las Vegas as a teen, Smith's pro career stalled for several years before being jump-started in Vargas' camp.

"My situation was like the turtle and the hare," he said. "I was the turtle. I kept plugging, even when it didn't seem I was getting too far.

"But now I've pulled even to the hare and I'm going to win the race."