Joe Smith Jr defeated Jesse Hart last night via split decision at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City. Smith dominated throughout the fight but one judge saw it different. Judges scored the bout 95-94 for Hart, while Smith led on other scores of 98-91 and 97-92.
"I knew no matter how hard I got hit, I just had to stay busy," Smith said. "That's what I did tonight, and I am coming home with the win. "This win means everything for me. I had to make a statement that I belong at this level."