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Ishe Smith

Ishe, 26, started boxing at the age of 9 when his mother and sister first brought him to the gym. Leaving his wife and 2-year-old son behind in Las Vegas, Ishe plans to use them as inspiration to fight.

An undefeated nationally ranked fighter, who is disillusioned by the lack of integrity in boxing today. “I’m bringing to boxing honesty. I’m a family man- I love my wife, I love my son and this opportunity means everything to me.” With a professional record of 14-0, Ishe is a perfect combination of youth, skill, and wisdom.

He has had great success in his undefeated boxing career, but has been taken advantage of by promoters and agents along the way and recently had to declare bankruptcy. His strength is his wife, LaToya, his 2 year old son Ishe Jr., and his faith. He is gentle and loving with his family, and respectful and humble with everyone else. He is an usher in his church every Sunday.

LaToya is to Ishe as Adrian is to Rocky. She won't let him give up on his boxing dream, even though they now have to live with her parents. She believes in him, inspires him, and sees his boxing skill as his gift from God.

Ishe's mission on The Contender is to restore the integrity of the sport he loves and to provide for his family. Ishe trains with religious zeal and keeps meticulous journals and logbooks of everything he does during the day. He doesn't drink, smoke, or go to strip clubs. He doesn't respect fighters that don't train hard, and deems them a detriment to the sport. He can talk tough with any one and considers that part of the sport. Ishe will not suffer fools. He has trained with superstar boxers, including Fernando Vargas, and feels he can hold his own against anyone...he just needs an honest chance.

Ishe fought Alfonso Gomez in 2001 and won.