At the Echo Arena, Liverpool, England this evening saw the return of British Super Middleweight prospect Callum Smith. Smith took on the Frenchman Hadillah Mohoumadi for the European belt and for right to become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title.
The bout had been billed as the toughest test for Smith who has proved himself to be somewhat of a knockout specialist against lower level opposition. Many had tipped the fight to go the distance and at least to progress to the 2nd half.
On the night, the fight was over within 101 seconds. Mohoumadi came out with a flurry of punches early and Smith duly responded with more hurtful, accurate and damaging shots. Mohoumadi persisted with his come forward tactics and Smith again picked him off, once Mohoumadi was against the ropes, Smith landed at will and with Mohoumadi out on his feet, the referee had little choice but to stop the fight.
Smith now moves on and will pursue a fight for the WBC belt and all the signs are that he is ready for this level. Getting a fight made may be a challenge with unification bouts being touted between current belt holders, Smith’s shot may have to wait. Keep busy fights in the interim against fighter such as George Groves or Martin Murray would certainly provide an intriguing battle between youth and experience and would be a treat for fans.
On the undercard we saw two much more competitive fights. Rocky Fielding thrust himself back in to the frame following his devastating defeat to Smith in November and took on the durable challenger Christopher Rebrasse. Fielding looks shaky at times and was down early on. He rallied well however and when the final bell sounded, it was anyone’s guess who’d get the win given the fight was so close. Fielding got the nod via split decision and he will feel he can progress further.
Scott Cardle battled to a draw against Sean Dodd which saw Cardle retain his British Lightweight title in a very close fight.
– Jonathon Fell / @Jonathon_fell
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