Ishe Smith, born Ishé Oluwa Kamau Ali Smith on July 22, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada, has carved a unique path in the world of professional boxing. Here’s a detailed look at his life and career.
Ishe Smith’s Biography
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ishé Oluwa Kamau Ali Smith |
| Nickname | Sugar Shay |
| Born | July 22, 1978 |
| Age | 46 |
| Religion | Deeply religious |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Turned Pro | 2000 |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1 million |
| Instagram Profile | @ishe_sugarshay_smith |
Ishe Smith, known for his resilience and determination, has had a career filled with ups and downs, making him a compelling figure in the boxing world.
Early Career
Ishe Smith’s journey in boxing began in his hometown of Las Vegas, where he grew up without knowing his father.
His amateur career was marked by significant achievements, including reaching the finals of the US National Championships in 1996 and the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic trials.
Despite not winning these tournaments, his performances showcased his potential, setting the stage for his professional career.
Professional Career
Smith turned professional in 2000, quickly establishing himself with a series of victories.
His early career was highlighted by a controversial win against Alfonso Gomez in 2001 and a notable victory over David Estrada in 2003.
His career took a significant turn when he participated in the reality TV show The Contender in 2005, which brought him into the public eye.
In 2013, he achieved his dream by defeating Cornelius Bundrage to win the IBF junior middleweight title, becoming the first Las Vegas native to hold a world boxing championship.
However, his reign was short-lived as he lost the title in his first defense against Carlos Molina later that year.
Ishe Smith’s Net Worth Details
Ishe Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. This figure reflects his earnings from boxing, including fight purses, endorsements, and other business ventures.
Despite the financial challenges he faced earlier in his career, Smith’s perseverance has paid off, allowing him to build a stable financial foundation.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|
| Cornelius Bundrage | $11,000 |
| Carlos Molina | $250,000 |
Endorsements
- Nike: Smith has been sponsored by Nike, wearing their “Nike G.T. Hustle 2” basketball shoes as part of his endorsement deal.
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Erickson Lubin | Loss | RTD 3 |
| Tony Harrison | Loss | SD 10 |
| Julian Williams | Loss | UD 10 |
| Frank Galarza | Win | MD 10 |
| Tommy Rainone | Win | UD 10 |
| Vanes Martirosyan | Loss | MD 10 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ishe Smith?
Ishe Smith, born Ishé Oluwa Kamau Ali Smith on July 22, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2000 to 2019. He is known for becoming the first boxer from Las Vegas to win a professional world championship, capturing the IBF junior middleweight title in 2013.
2. What are some highlights of Ishe Smith’s early career?
Ishe Smith’s early career was marked by significant achievements in amateur boxing. He reached the finals of the US National Championships in 1996, losing to Héctor Camacho Jr., and made it to the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic trials, where he was defeated by Zab Judah. His professional debut was in 2000, where he won by TKO against Jose Meraz.
3. What was Ishe Smith’s most significant achievement in his professional boxing career?
His most significant achievement was winning the IBF junior middleweight title in 2013 by defeating Cornelius Bundrage via a 12-round majority decision. This victory made him the first native-born Las Vegan to capture a boxing world championship.
4. How did Ishe Smith’s participation in The Contender impact his career?
Participating in the first season of the reality TV show The Contender in 2005 brought Ishe Smith into the public eye. Although he didn’t win the show, it helped him gain recognition and led to a series of events that eventually helped him secure a world title.
5. What personal challenges did Ishe Smith face during his career?
Ishe Smith faced numerous personal challenges, including financial hardships, contractual disputes, and a reputation for being difficult to work with. He also struggled with the absence of his father, which led to a moment where he contemplated suicide but was saved by his sister’s intervention.
6. What is known about Ishe Smith’s personal life?
Ishe Smith is deeply religious, and he has shared moments of his personal life on social media, like attending his son’s senior prom in 2024. He has been in a relationship with a woman who had two children of her own, and together they raised six children.
7. What is Ishe Smith’s net worth as of 2025?
As of 2025, Ishe Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, reflecting his earnings from boxing, endorsements, and other business ventures.
8. What endorsements has Ishe Smith secured?
Ishe Smith has an endorsement deal with Nike, where he has been seen wearing their “Nike G.T. Hustle 2” basketball shoes.
9. What are some of Ishe Smith’s notable fights and opponents?
Some of his notable fights include his victory over Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF title, his controversial win against Alfonso Gomez, and his losses to Erickson Lubin, Tony Harrison, and Julian Williams.
10. What is Ishe Smith doing now after retiring from boxing?
After retiring from professional boxing in 2019, Ishe Smith has remained active in the boxing community, sharing his experiences and insights through social media and possibly engaging in other related activities or ventures.
