HBO Sports returns to the vibrant junior middleweight division when one of 2018’s breakout stars defends his WBO crown for the first time on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH, presented SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Two months ago, Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) made an impressive HBO debut, scoring a resounding fourth-round KO of junior middleweight titleholder Sadam Ali. Now, the 25-year-old native of Tijuana, Baja Calif, Mexico defends his title against the UK’s formidable Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, in a 12-round clash that promises to produce fireworks.

The co-feature spotlights Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) defending his super featherweight title against No. 1 contender Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Machado, 27, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mensah, also 27, is a native of Accra, Ghana, and has 12 more pro bouts than the champ.

This doubleheader marks the 39th consecutive year that HBO Boxing has televised a fight card from Las Vegas.

Photo by Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos
https://www.boxingscene.com/photos-jaime-munguia-liam-smith-go-face-face-vegas–130110

Jaime Munguia

Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, will make the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Munguia is a dangerous 21-year-old puncher who has ended 25 of his fights by stunning knockout. Munguia has only fought twice in the United States, the second of which was for a last-minute title opportunity against Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May. Munguia used his enormous height and reach advantages to drop Ali several times before a thunderous left hook ended matters in the fourth round. The newly-crowned champion is excited to defend his new belt.

“I’m very excited and thankful with everyone that made this possible,” said Jaime Munguia.”I invite the fans to go and see me live or to tune in on HBO. I will defend my WBO title with pride and honor. See you in Vegas!”

Smith, the first of an impressive stable of brothers to win a world title, is a 29-year-old native of Liverpool, England. After scoring 20 impressive victories as a professional, Smith defeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson via seventh-round technical knockout to capture the WBO 154-pound title. Smith then lost the title against Canelo Alvarez in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in an impressive show of heart. Smith has had three victories since, and after pulling out of his May 12 fight against Sadam Ali due to an illness, he is more than ready to regain the title that was once his.

“To go to Vegas and fight for a world title is every fighter’s dream,” said Liam Smith.”But it’s only an extra incentive to my main motivation – getting that WBO world junior middleweight title back around my waist.Munguia is obviously a dangerous puncher and I’ll have to be wary of him early on, but he’s never fought someone as good as me and a fully-fledged 154lb fighter. I can’t afford to look an inch past Munguia though. He’s world champion for a reason and with such a high knockout percentage, I’m going to have to be my best ever. Unfortunately for Munguia, that’s what I’ll be.”

“I’m proud and excited that this Mexican Kid from Tijuana [Munguia], who’s the hottest fighter in boxing today, will once again fight on July 21 against the tough Liam Smith,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “I know he will prevail again in spectacular fashion like he always does.”

“Liam Smith was very confident of beating Sadam Ali, but unfortunately the allergic reaction he suffered temporarily sidelined his plans,” said Frank Warren.”Munguia looked impressive beating the former champion, but Liam actually feels he is a better stylistic match up for him than Ali would have been.I’m very confident Liam will be recapturing the WBO Junior Middleweight Title and bringing it back to the UK.”

“When Jaime Munguia made his HBO debut this past May, he put the division on notice with a spectacular knockout and captured a 154-pound title”, said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “He looks to keep the momentum going on July 21 as he takes on his mandatory challenger Liam Smith, who hopes to take the title back to his native UK.”

https://www.boxingscene.com/munguia-smith-machado-mensah-finalized-july-21-hbo–129349

LIAM SMITH will challenge WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Jaime Munguia at the Hard Rock casino in Las Vegas on July 21.

The bout gives Smith the chance to win back the world title that he lost to Canelo Alvarez. The belt would be picked up by all-time great Miguel Cotto. He lost his final fight, and the WBO Jr. Middleweight title, to Sadam Ali. Due to a sudden allergic reaction, Liam was forced to pull out of a clash with Sadam Ali earlier this year. That gave unheralded replacement Munguia the chance to step in and shock Ali, scoring a significant upset and displaying intimidating power.

Now Smith gets his world title shot. He is expected to collide with Munguia in entertaining style.

“That fight’s on,” promoter Frank Warren told Boxing News.

“It’s a tough fight. This guy, he’s the next big thing for them. He’s a big puncher, there’s no doubt about that. But as I always said, in boxing it’s not just about who’s the biggest puncher.”

http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/breaking-liam-smith-will-fight-wbo-super-welter-champ-jaime-munguia/

By John Dennen / Photo by Matt Heasley / Hogan Photos

WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) is looking forward to a mandatory showdown with former champion Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) of the UK.

Munguia captured the title earlier this month, with a four round thrashing of Sadam Ali in Verona, New York. The young Mexican puncher sent Ali down four times before the contest was waved off.

Smith previously held the WBO title – until he lost the belt to Canelo Alvarez in September 2016. Since then, he’s won three fights including a final eliminator against Liam Williams.

According to Munguia, the fight is being targeted for two dates in the month of July.

“We are going to fight on July 21 or 28. I already started running this week, I have a good rhythm to fight and I do not want to waste it. I think that next week we will return to the gym in a stronger way, this week has been crazy,” Munguia told ESPN Deportes.

“Regarding Liam Smith, I feel he is a fighter who does not have a big name, but he is a very experienced fighter who fought with the best of the division, including Canelo Alvarez. But I think I have what it takes to beat him. I always put in a good preparation physical and mentally. I’m sure that it will be a great fight.”

Munguia is hoping to emulate the success of his two Mexican idols, Julio Cesar Chavez and Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Julio Cesar Chavez, I love his way of fighting, his aggressiveness, he did not stop throwing punches for the entire three minutes of each round, and for the entire twelve rounds of the fight. Marquez is also a good counter-puncher, and there are many more. But I want to continue my journey in my own way, so that someday the children are saying that they want to be like me,” Munguia said.

By Miguel Rivera / BoxingScene — Quotes by ESPNDeportes — Photo by Matt Heasley / Hogan Photos

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The World Boxing Organisation today sanctioned the bout between Liam Smith and Liam Williams for the WBO interim super-welterweight world title. Smith and Williams’ showdown will take place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday April 8th, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Promoter Frank Warren: “I am delighted to have delivered this opportunity for these two outstanding fighters. This fight has all the ingredients to be a fight the year contender and now, with the added prize of the interim belt, there is more than just pride on the line for both.

“It is well documented that Canelo has plans to step up in weight and that could well see the winner of this becoming a recognized world champion. It’s a great all-domestic clash that I don’t think will go the distance – they are going to come out swinging and it will be exciting while it lasts.”

Liam Smith: “I’m delighted that Frank (Warren) has delivered this opportunity,” said Smith. “I’d like to thank my management team and the WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Varcarcel for keeping faith in me. I said I would be a world champion again in 2017 and this is my opportunity. The winner of this is a world champion in waiting. I don’t think Canelo has any intention of defending the 154lbs world title.

This is a win-win situation for me. If I beat Liam Williams I’ll be in an unbelievable position again. If Canelo decides to defend his belt I think I could do a million times better against him in a rematch. It was well publicized that I had the worst training camp of my career heading into that fight. He’s a world class fighter and I want to test myself against elite fighters. If not, there are huge fights against the likes of Miguel Cotto out there for me. First and foremost I have to beat Liam Williams on April 8th.”

Liam Williams: “This is a massive opportunity for me,” said Williams. “It is a huge fight and a brilliant chance for me to propel my name to the top of the sport. This is going to be a proper fight and I’m delighted that Frank keeps on delivering these opportunities for me. There are some huge fights out there for me if I deliver on April 8th. I was already massively motivated for the Smith fight but this has given me another big boost. I’ve been working towards an opportunity like this all of my career and I’ll be bringing that belt back to Wales with me.

www. fightnews.com/Boxing/smith-williams-now-wbo-interim-jr-middleweight-title-398662#more-398662

By Elliot Foster

Liam Smith against Liam Williams was arguably the biggest highlight of Monday’s announcement regarding the BT Sport schedule. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the super-welterweight clash as part of his deal between BoxNation, his own broadcaster, and the aforementioned BT Sport. Reports last week suggested that the fight would be for the vacant WBO super-welterweight world title.

That belt, however, is currently held by Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who faces Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on May 6. And a media release from Frank Warren’s office, just hours after the schedule announcement for the next few months, revealed that the fight between the Liverpudlian –– who lost the WBO title to Alvarez in Texas last September –– and Clydach Vale’s Williams, on April 8 at Manchester Arena, exclusively live on BoxNation and BT Sport, will instead be for Williams’ WBO European title at 154 pounds. Williams won the title against Gabor Gorbics on November 26, 2016, at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. Further details regarding the fight and the full card, which is headed by Terry Flanagan’s fifth defence of the WBO lightweight world title against number two-ranked Petr Petrov and will also feature the professional debut of two-time Olympic champion Nicola Adams, will be revealed in due course.

– See more at: http://www.boxingscene.com/liam-williams-vs-liam-smith-wbo-european-belt-april-8–112916#sthash.ai6NQ0Iy.dpuf –

image-1 Canelo Alvarez, left, and Liam Smith, right, face off with promoter Oscar De La Hoya, center, looking on after the official weigh-in for their upcoming title fight at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

Photos from the official weigh-in of Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith on Sept. 16 at AT&T Stadium.

image-9Canelo Alvarez, left, of Mexico and Liam Smith, right, of Great Britain pose after weigh-in for their WBO junior middleweight world championship fight at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 16, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.

image-2Canelo Alvarez, left, and Liam Smith pose for photos after the official weigh-in for their upcoming title fight at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016.

image-3Canelo Alvarez of Mexico poses during his weigh-in for his WBO junior middleweight world championship fight against Liam Smith of Great Britain at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 16, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.

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A general view before Canelo Alvarez of Mexico and Liam Smith of Great Britain weigh-in for their WBO junior middleweight world championship fight at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 16, 2016 in Arlington, Texas.image-10

 

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www.newsday.com/sports/boxing/canelo-alvarez-vs-liam-smith-weigh-in-pictures-1.12328198

 

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Britain’s WBO world Jr. Middleweight champion Liam Smith has said he’s going to make a name for himself when he faces Canelo Alvarez in September.

Speaking at a London press conference today, the Liverpool ace said he will try and knock out Canelo Alvarez when the two collide for his WBO World Title on Mexican Independence Day in Dallas, Texas.

“This is a fight I’ve been asking for for 12 months. I jumped at the chance, it’s a chance for me to make a name for myself. I want to do it against the biggest name in boxing at the moment. Saul Alvarez is the biggest name in boxing. I’m looking forward to pitting my wits against one of the best in the sport,” said the 23-0 star, currently on an eight fight KO streak.

“I think a lot of people, will be surprised. I can’t wait until September and making a name for myself up there.”

Responding to the US media reaction which has seen him unfairly labelled as a “paper champion”, the 27-year-old said the American press weren’t in a position to comment as he’s never fought Stateside before.

“They’ll know in September that they shouldn’t be calling me a paper champion. I haven’t fought out there just yet, but they’ll know why [it’s wrong to call me a paper champion] when I do.

“I’m going in there to stop Canelo. If I don’t stop him, it won’t be for the lack of trying.” —

——————————————-

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports.  The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium, doors open at 2:30 p.m. CT. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

www.boxingscene.com/liam-smith-warns-im-coming-there-knock-canelo-out–108020?print_friendly=1

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Photo: Golden Boy Promotions –

WBO junior middleweight champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) didn’t pull many punches when he hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit Boxing ahead of his clash with former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez taking place September 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Here are the highlights…

On Canelo’s weaknesses:

I don’t want to give too many of his weaknesses away. Certainly not now. He’s got a lot of weaknesses. He doesn’t like fighting three minutes of each round. That’s one of them that’s not really hard to see.

On whether Canelo ducked Golovkin:

Yeah, ducked him massively. He went the wrong way about it. He’s being criticized a lot and losing a lot of fans about the way he did it. If he was open and honest about it, people would have understood. If he said, ‘look, at the moment I’m not 160. GGG wouldn’t come down.’ If he said, ‘look I’ll fight you in 12 months time, I’m going to build myself to 160’ he’d have bought himself grace. But the way he went about it after the fight with Cotto he got GGG in the ring and said he’d put the gloves back on. Then after the fight he said the thing about his balls, he built the fans up about fighting him next and then he gave the belt up. I just think he went about it the wrong way.

On fighting Golovkin himself should he beat Canelo:

Obviously, when I beat Canelo, the next fight would be a rematch. I’ll beat Canelo and they’re going to offer as much $ as they want to put the record straight and come up with every excuse in the book. You know, I’ve just told people on SM, he’s saying he’d love to fight Pacquiao. It’s embarrassing they’re talking about Canelo-Pacquiao. They’re gonna be very embarrassed when I beat them in September…I’m not gonna kid the public like Canelo and say ‘yeah I’ll fight GGG’ because that’s where he let himself down because he said, ‘Yes I’ll fight you now.’ But when I beat Canelo I’m still only a 154 pounder. I’ll fight GGG when and if I decide to go to 160. For the time, I’m a 154 and not big enough for 160 at the moment.

On fighting at 154 and not the usual 155 for Canelo’s fights:

I would have taken the fight at 155. I can make 155 and I can even do 156. The negotiation was 154 and I understood why because he has to save face. To look respectful for him to give his middleweight title up, he has to come back to 154. That’s why I was always confident I could get the fight. It would be embarrassing if he ducked Golovkin and didn’t. I knew he had to come to 154. From their point of view, he beats me and is back a champion at 154. ‘I can make 154. I’m not fighting GGG at 160.’ That was their excuse.

On his nickname “Beefy”

I was fat when I was a baby and growing up. So maybe 14 or 15 I was chubby and very fat. My dad called me “Beefy” when I was a kid and it stuck.

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/liam-smith-canelo-ducked-ggg-massively-351655

cowboys-stadium-view_3351484 The Dallas Cowboys have made AT&T Stadium their home since 2009

By Andy Charles –

Liam Smith’s clash with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on September 17 will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Smith (23-0-1-KO13) is taking a significant step up in class to face former WBC middleweight champion Alvarez, whose most recent victory was a punishing sixth-round stoppage of Amir Khan in May.

Alvarez had been expected to take on Gennady Golovkin after beating Khan, but instead decided to give up the WBC belt and move back down a weight to take on Liverpudlian Smith, who holds the WBO Junior Middleweight title.

Smith won the belt last year when he knocked out John Thompson in seven rounds at the Manchester Arena.

Alvarez (47-1-1-KO32) previously held the WBA and WBC super-welterweight belts but lost them in 2013 when he suffered the only defeat of his professional career against Floyd Mayweather.

amir-khan-saul-alvarez-boxing_3462643-1  Alvarez (right) knocked out Amir Khan in brutal fashion back in May

“Texas loves Canelo, and Canelo loves Texas so it was a no-brainer to have this fight at AT&T Stadium,” promoter Oscar De La Hoya said in a statement.

“Texas is like Canelo’s second home, and he has stated that he wants to fight in Texas once a year for his fans. My friend Jerry Jones [owner of the Cowboys] extended the invitation to Canelo to fight at AT&T Stadium, so it was an easy decision for us.”

AT&T Stadium has previously held a pair of high-profile Manny Pacquiao fights – against Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito – back in 2013.

www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10505313/liam-smith-v-canelo-alvarez-to-take-place-at-home-of-dallas-cowboys

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Photos: Steven Paston – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

WBO super welterweight champion Liam Smith came face-to-face with challenger Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for a second time at today’s London stop on the two-city  Canelo vs. Smith international press tour. ‘Beefy’ puts it all on the line against Alvarez at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on September 17th.

Smith lashed out at those in the US media who have labelled him as a “paper champion,” saying the American press weren’t in a position to comment as he’s never fought Stateside before.

“They’ll know in September that they shouldn’t be calling me a paper champion,” proclaimed Smith. “I haven’t fought out there just yet, but they’ll know why [it’s wrong to call me a paper champion] when I do. I’m going in there to stop Canelo. If I don’t stop him, it won’t be for the lack of trying.”

Alvarez, insisted he will not be underestimating Smith, despite heading into September’s mega-fight as the bookies’ clear favorite (currently 12:1).

“What can I say? Liam Smith is a great champion,” said Canelo. “He’s very strong and he’s very hungry. We’re going to prepare like never before, knowing what we know about Liam Smith. I can assure you this: we’re going to give the fans what they want to see.”

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www.fightnews.com/Boxing/liam-smith-they-shouldnt-be-calling-me-a-paper-champion-347721

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By Frank Warren –

Liam Smith didn’t need asking twice when it was suggested that he might like to defend his title against a certain Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Canelo v Smith

“Yeah, I’m having that,” he said. “That’s the fight I want – let’s get it on.” Well, it is on, the deal is done and dusted and it’s all happening in America on September 17.

The Mexican superstar detonated a bomb on the chin of Amir Khan last time out and now, of course, the question everyone will be asking is whether Beefy can avoid a similar unhappy landing.

He thinks he can – and so do I. Otherwise we wouldn’t take the match. I think he has a really good chance to beat Alvarez.

Obviously this is a tough fight against one of the world’s greatest boxers, but at this stage of his career he needs a challenge and Beefy certainly won’t duck a challenge.

What he has going for him is his self-belief, the fact that he is natural at the weight and he has a far stronger chin than Amir and is nowhere near as reckless. He is not going up two weights as Amir did, but I think he is one of the best young fighters around and is not in the least fazed about stepping into the ring with the great Canelo.

The worst thing that can happen for him is that he gets beat, but that would be by no means the end of the world for him, or other world title fights. Unlike Amir, he is not nearing the end of his career, he is young enough and resilient enough to come back.

However, I actually think he has the tools to do the job. He is a cannier fighter than Khan and, indeed, other super welterweights. He has stealth and style, along with a mean streak – and he can bang.

Unfortunately Amir didn’t carry the punch power at the weight but, this time, against another Brit, I think Canelo will have his hands full and will discover that Smith’s style has often been likened to that of a Mexican.

Against Canelo you need to be able to put it on him and we know he can be taken the distance, as Matthew Hatton will confirm. What’s more, Liam is a good body puncher and he always seems to rise to the occasion, the better the opponent.

He’ll revel in the atmosphere, believe me, and you never know, the way he rifles in his shots like a smiling assassin, he might just enjoy the last laugh too.

You can see that action live on BoxNation on September 17th.

www.frankwarren.com/i-back-beefy-to-bring-home-the-bacon/

 

Date:   Saturday, June 4, 2016

WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:   Echo Arena, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom

Promoter:   Queensberry Promotions / Frank Warren

Supervisor:  Dennis Gilmartin

Referee:  Steve Gray

Judges:  Ingo Barrabas, Deon Dwarte, Dave Parris

Results:   The WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion Liam Smith retained the title by KO’d Predrag Radosevic in the second round.

TV:

Beefy took just a minute and a half of the second to successfully defend his light-middleweight title against Predrag Radosevic in front of his home crowd in Liverpool

Liam-Smith                                                                                   Over and out:  Smith defeated Radosevic inside two rounds

Liam Smith took a step closer to a dream fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez by successfully defending his WBO light-middleweight tonight in front of his home fans in Liverpool.

Smith impressed as he stopped challenger Predrag Radosevic in just two rounds to stretch his unbeaten record to 24 fights.

He put Radosevic down with a left hook to the body and the Montenegrin showed little enthusiasm to get up as he waited for referee Steve Gray to count him out.

It was not the way Smith would have wanted to win and questions will be asked about Radosevic, who showed little appetite for the fight.

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Smith will press on and promoter Frank Warren is in talks with Canelo’s camp about a possible fight against the Mexican sensation.

Warren was in negotiations with Golden Boy six months ago only for Canelo to opt to fight Amir Khan instead last month.

Smith, 27, is due a huge fight to give him the limelight he deserves and he is one of the least-heralded of Britain’s 13 world champions.

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After the crowd inside the Echo Arena paid tribute to Muhammad Ali, Smith did a number on Radosevic to become the first man after two-weight world champ Felix Sturm to stop the Montenegran.

Smith edged the first round, knocking Radosevic’s head back with a strong jab before clouting him with a stinging right.

His jab rocked Radosevic again in the second, pinning him in the corner and he opened up on the challenger.

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He unloaded a flurry of shots before winding Radosevic with a left hook to the ribs.

Radosevic rested on his hunkers, but did not want to rise to his feet as Gray counted to 10 to end the contest one minute and 34 seconds into the second round.

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He told his corner he felt like he had broken a rib, such was the venom of Smith’s punch.

Smith will not care and he has recorded the 13th stoppage of his 23 wins as he improves to 23-0-1.

But what is clear is that he needs a better class of opponent to show the world just how good he is.

www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/liam-smith-defends-world-title-8116756

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Liam Smith didn’t waste much time in defending his WBO super welterweight title on Saturday.

The champion wasn’t expected to have too many problems dealing with the unheralded Predrag Radosevic (30-2, 11 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

Sure enough, local lad Smith (22-0-1, 13 KOs) needed only four minutes and 34 seconds to see off the man from Montenegro.

In terms of a homecoming for Smith, who won the belt in nearby Manchester in 2015, it was over before it had barely begun. It was barely worth putting out the bunting.

Still, Bleacher Report has picked out some of the key talking points from the main event as well as the action on the undercard.

Radosevic always seemed to be nothing more than a sacrificial lamb.

The challenger had only lost once in his pro career. However, that defeat, against Felix Sturm in 2013, saw Radosevic dismantled inside four rounds.

Taking a leaf out of Sturm’s book, Smith broke down his rival by targeting the body early and often. When the first blow thudded into the Montenegrin, it quickly became obvious he was way, way out of his depth.

A left hook, landing just under the ribs, produced an early finish:

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Smith has now won eight on the spin inside the distance. He has become accustomed to breaking down opponents who, quite frankly, are beneath him.

The reason why opponents eventually buckle is his relentless work to the body. Allow him to get in close and you better be prepared to suffer.

Former fighter Matthew Hatton and newly crowned WBC cruiserweightworld champion Tony Bellew pointed out as much on Twitter:

Another impressive performance from Liam Smith last night. What a superb inside fighter he’s become. Tremendous variety on the inside 👌🏻

@LiamBeefySmith showing again last night how vicious he can be! A brilliant box fighter an a serious body puncher! Well done champ 

Now Smith needs to find out if the same tactics can work on a higher calibre of fighter.

Speaking of which…

Smith needs to face a big name. That is stating the obvious.

He’s had 24 bouts as a pro, but now, as a world champion, he is desperate to make every fight count. This is his time to not only create a legacy but also cash in on his status.

His post-fight interview with BoxNation was actually more entertaining than the bout itself.

Smith has made no secret of wanting to take on a recognised opponent. He spoke of his desire to go up against any of the notable boxers at 154 pounds—including Saul Alvarez and Miguel Cotto.

However, there was another intriguing proposition talked about at length during the televised chat.

Frank Warren—Smith’s promoter—certainly had a lot to say on the topic of a potential all-English showdown against Kell Brook:

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“We are going to make a big fight for him in the Autumn.” – Frank Warren talks Beefy and reveals Kell Brook offer

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“He’s in the top 3 Super Welters in the world & I believe by the end of the year he will be the best” – Frank Warren

Brook, of course, is currently campaigning down at welterweight.

The reigning IBF champion is almost certain to face WBO holder Jessie Vargas in a unification bout next, according to Isaac Robinson of SkySports.com.

However, Brook could opt to step up a division in the future. He was obviously paying attention to the televised comments from the Echo Arena, judging by his activity on Twitter:

be careful what you wish for lad!  👊🏾

Smith has other options: Jermell and Jermall Charlo hold the WBC and IBF titles, respectively. Erislandy Lara, meanwhile, has the WBA belt in his possession.

Any of the names—and I mean any of the names—mentioned above would be welcome challenges for Smith.

What is clear is that he doesn’t need to be wasting his time on many more opponents at the level of Radosevic.

www.bleachrreport.com/articles/2644413-liam-smith-plays-the-name-game-as-zolani-tete-impresses-again-in-liverpool

GettyImages-529628436.0  WBO junior middleweight titlist Liam Smith claims that he’s been offered a fight with Canelo Alvarez although he’s fully focused on this Saturday’s fight with Predrag Radosevic.

WBO junior middleweight champion Liam Smith is geared up for this Saturday’s title defense where he’ll take on Predrag Radosevic in Liverpool. Smith hopes to put on a show in front of his hometown fans in this fight although he expects a somewhat rough and tumble affair from Radosevic — something that the oddsmakers apparently don’t with Radosevic being installed as a heavy 14-1 underdog. Here’s what Smith had to say on the topic to RingTV.com.

“I think odds in boxing are terrible and it shouldn’t be like that,” fired the 27-year-old Englishman. “It is what it is, though. People see a foreign name and presume you’re in for a walkover when it’s not. That’s boxing for you.”

Smith then goes on to reveal that he’s received an offer to face Canelo Alvarez, a fight that would have him put his belt on the line against the popular Mexican fighter who recently conceded his WBC middleweight title to Gennady Golovkin.

“I’ve been offered the Canelo fight but I haven’t been told too much about it,” he said. “It would be for my title because he has given up his (WBC) belt at 160 and would be moving back down to 154 pounds.

“My team is keeping things quiet right now because it’s important that my mind is on the job that’s in front of me. I don’t like talking about future fights and we’re just being professional.”

Obviously Smith being offered a Canelo Alvarez fight is even more evidence that the much anticipated fight between Canelo and Gennady Golovkin is no closer to being realized, and that it pretty clearly won’t be happening next at the very least.

Smith also mentions the likes of Miguel Cotto as a possible fight for him when pressed about the options out there for him. Smith does admit, though, that he hasn’t received an official offer from Cotto nor an order from the WBO ordering the bout. He does, however, expect the WBO to order him to make a mandatory title defense in the near future.

www.badlefthook.com/2016/6/2/11838404/liam-smith-ready-for-predrag-radosevic-says-hes-been-offered-canelo

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Liverpool’s WBO Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith came face-to-face with Montenegro’s Predrag Radosevic at today’s press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool. Undefeated Smith, 22-0-1 12 KO’s, makes the second defence of his world title against WBO European Champion Radosevic this Saturday at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Scouse hero Smith knows he will have to be at his very best if he is to avoid any slip-ups against a rough and ready Radosevic. Smith’s promoter Frank Warren has hinted at a potentially huge fight for Smith in September should he overcome Radosevic. However, the Merseyside maverick says there’s no danger of him overlooking his latest challenger.

“I’m buzzing to get back in the ring on Saturday. I’ve been out of the ring since December and I’ve had a good rest. I’ve been linked with some big names but none of those fights can happen if I don’t win this weekend. I’m fully focused on Predrag Radosevic; he’s a dangerous opponent and has my full attention. I’m from too good a family and too good a gym to overlook anyone,” said Smith.

He added: “I want to put on a good performance back in my home city. I won the title in Manchester and defended it in Manchester but there’s no place like home. I’m going to put on a show for everyone at the Echo Arena and watching at home on BoxNation”.

Radosevic, who is ranked number 11 with the World Boxing Organization, is on a red-hot three-fight winning streak since losing his unbeaten record at the hands of controversial WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm in July 2013 and insists he isn’t in Liverpool to make up the numbers.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be here and fighting on a Frank Warren promotion. On Saturday night I’ll be taking that belt home with me; I’m not here as a tourist. I believe I have what it takes to beat Liam and become the new world champion.”

Ellesmere Port star Paul Butler finds himself within striking distance of another shot at becoming a two-weight world champion. Standing in his way of making history is Thai terror Petchbarngborn Kokietgym who boxes out of Bangkok. Former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Butler is excited to show off his new skills against Kokietgym.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday night. Obviously I’ve got a new trainer and I’m buzzing to show everyone what I’ve been up to in the gym. I’ve got a good opponent but we’ve been putting the hours in in the gym and you’ll see a new Paul Butler this weekend,” said Butler.

EBU European Bantamweight Champion Ryan Farrag makes the first defence of his belt against Karim Guerfi. The Everton Red Triangle man is confident of getting a knockout win over the tricky man from Manosque in France.

He said: “Karim is a good opponent. He’s the type of opponent I want to be in there fighting but I believe I’ve got the beating of him. He’s going to be in for a rough night; I’m looking forward to punching him in the face and keeping hold of my belt!”

Lastly, Tom Stalker looks to make it third time lucky when he challenges Portugal’s Antonio Joao Bento for the Vacant European Lightweight Championship. ‘The Captain’ is confident there are big fights ahead of him should he claim the European crown on Saturday.

Stalker said: “In the past year I’ve had three draws a win and a loss. Frank Warren has stood by me and got me another great opportunity. It’s about time I repaid their faith in me. I’m going to put in a great performance on Saturday and finally get my hands on that belt.”

www.boxingnews24.com/2016/06/liam-smith-promises-win/

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Merseyside maverick Liam Smith makes a hero’s return to Liverpool this summer to make the second defence of his WBO World Jr. Middleweight title against Montenegro’s Pedrag Radosevic at the Echo Arena on Saturday 4th June, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Radosevic, who is number 11 with the World Boxing Organization and holds the body’s European title, is on a red-hot three-fight winning streak since losing his unbeaten record at the hands of WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm in July 2013.

The man from Podgorica in Montenegro holds a top record of 30 wins from 31 fights, 11 coming via knockout, in a career spanning 12 years. 31 year-old Radosevic will be looking to cause an upset on his debut on British soil and is a step-up in class for the undefeated Smith.

Scouse warrior Smith became Liverpool’s first World Champion in 22 years last October when he stopped American John Thompson in the seventh round to claim the vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight crown.

His finishing was as emphatic as his game plan. A brutal right-hand, left hook combination finished Thompson just past the halfway point in the seventh.

Following his sensational performance against Thompson, Smith returned to the Manchester Arena two months later to make the first defence of his newly attained title against Mancunian Jimmy Kelly on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ world title showdown with Andy Lee.

In the first Manchester versus Liverpool world title showdown in over 80 years, Smith blasted out his unbeaten rival with another seventh round stoppage. After emphatically announcing himself on the world stage ‘Beefy’ is now looking forward to making a hero’s return to his beloved home city.

Smith said: “I’m looking forward to fighting back at home. I haven’t boxed in Liverpool since I won the world title and I can’t wait to put on a show for my home crowd; there’s nobody better to fight in front of.”

He added: “It’s a great fight for me. I asked for this opponent for my first defence. He’s a good solid European fighter and he’s only lost to Felix Sturm at middleweight so it’s a good voluntary defence. I’m happy with the opponent.”

A mouth-watering night of action sees Ellesmere Port star Paul Butler defend his WBO International Super-Flyweight belt against Petchbarngborn Kokietgym, should he win Butler will be guaranteed mandatory position with the WBO. South African super-puncher Zolani Tete makes his eagerly anticipated return to Liverpool to defend his IBF International Bantamweight title. Ryan Farrag makes the first defence of his EBU European Bantamweight title against Frenchman Karim Guerfi and Jazza Dickens takes on Spain’s Abigail Medina for the Vacant EBU European Super-Bantamweight Championship. A top undercard sees Tom Stalker, Liam Williams, Steven Lewis, Josh Leather and Declan Geraghty all in action.

www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/05/10/news/liam-smith-happy-with-opponent-looks-forward-to-june-4-homecoming

WBO_logo

April 22, 2016

Bob Spagnola

Austin Trout Manager

Re: Austin Trout

Dear Bob:

On March 21, 2016, the WBO Championship Committee advised the parties representing Austin Trout and Liam Smith that they had 30 days to negotiate an agreement for the WBO Jr. Middleweight Championship bout. It has come to our attention that despite an offer being on the table, no answer has been given to Queensberry Promotions. Furthermore, it has been announced on the news that on May 21st 2016, Austin Trout will face Jermall Charlo for the IBF title.

Please be advised that you have forty-eight (48) hours or until Sunday, April 24th at 4:00 PM AST to inform the WBO if in fact Mr. Trout is fighting for the IBF title. If in the stipulated time frame we do not receive an answer, we will assume that Mr. Trout’s is not interested in fighting for the WBO title. At that point, the WBO Championship Committee will proceed in accordance to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

Cordially,

paco-firma

Francisco Valcarcel, Esq. – WBO President

WBO_logo

March 21, 2016

Liam Smith C/O Frank Warren

Austin Trout C/O David W. Bunting

Re: WBO Jr. Middleweight Championship Bout Liam Smith vs. Austin Trout

Gentlemen:

Please be advised the parties have 30 days to negotiate an agreement for the WBO Jr. Middleweight Championship bout between Liam Smith and Austin Trout. If an accord is not reached within the time frame, a Purse Bid will be ordered.

The minimum acceptable bid for the Jr. Middleweight division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars).

Any one of the parties involved may call for a Purse Bid at any time during the negotiation process.

Yours truly,

Batista Salas signature

Luis Batista Salas, Esq. – Chairman, WBO Championship Committee

 

GettyImages-501997794.0 Credit:  Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images / Liam Smith made a successful defense of his WBO title today in Manchester.

Liam Smith made a successful first defense of his WBO junior middleweight title today in Manchester, stopping Jimmy Kelly in the seventh round when Kelly’s corner threw in the towel.

Smith (22-0-1, 12 KO) did the job in front of him, and while the fight was rightly criticized coming in due to Kelly (16-1, 7 KO) being a totally unproven fighter with a paper ranking from the WBO allowing the fight to happen at all, the fight itself was an enjoyable watch, with both guys working hard and throwing punches. Kelly, 23, had never even fought at the higher levels domestically before this fight, but he showed up and looked pretty solid at moments, before he was eventually overwhelmed by the pressure and power of the 27-year-old titleholder.

While BoxNation’s TV scoring had this a shutout at the time of the stoppage, BLH actually gave Kelly two of the first three rounds, and he had plenty of success in a couple of others, too, before he started to look a bit worse for wear in round six. That round, perhaps frustrated by the way things were going, Kelly threw a pretty blatant headbutt into the mix, costing him two points on the cards. BLH had it 58-54 for Smith at the time of stoppage.

The stoppage came in a bit of an unusual manner, as Kelly was being battered against the ropes, just worn out by the pressure from Smith, when he basically collapsed without being hit again. Referee Marcus McDonnell oddly ruled this to not be a knockdown — it was, and should have been called as one — but it didn’t matter. Kelly’s corner knew the score, and they waved it off with the white towel moments later, saving their fighter.

Smith won the title in October, so made a quick turnaround for his first defense, saying that he didn’t even have time to celebrate winning before he had to get ready for the next fight. He recently negotiated for a fight with Shane Mosley (to whatever degree the negotiations were serious), and we’ll have to see what he does next. He’s got the belt, but he’s also known only in the UK.

Promoter Frank Warren floated the name of Miguel Cotto after the bout in the post-fight interviews.

“In an ideal world, I’d like to get him out again in February on the Liverpool show. If he wants to do that, it’s not a problem. If not, we’ll sit down with his management and work out an opponent,” Warren said. “The Cotto fight, if we could make that, I think we’d all be happy. But it’s about (Liam Smith). He’s still got a long way to go. I think he’s only going to get better and better.”

“I’d love to (fight in February),” Smith said. “I’m going to make a decision in the next couple of days. But I don’t want to come flat and let all the hard work go. But I would love to do that fight in Liverpool.”

http://www.badlefthook.com/2015/12/19/10627312/lee-vs-saunders-results-liam-smith-stops-jimmy-kelly-retains-wbo-belt

Date: Saturday, December 19, 2015

WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location: Manchester Arena (formerly M.E.N. Arena), Machester, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Promoter:  Queensberry Promotions / Frank Warren

Supervisor:  Luis Perez

Referee:  Marcus McDonnell

Judges:  Phil Edwards (60-52);  Terry O’Connor  (60-52);   Dave Parris (60-52)

Results:   Liam Smith made a successful first defense of his WBO junior middleweight title stopping Jimmy Kelly in the seventh round when Kelly’s corner threw in the towel.

TV:

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Underdog Jimmy Kilrain Kelly says no-one expects him to win as he takes on Liam Smith at the Manchester Arena

Wythenshawe boxer Jimmy Kilrain Kelly insists all of the pressure is on Liam Smith ahead of their world title showdown next week.

Kelly is aiming to become Manchester’s latest world champion when he faces Smith for his WBO light-middleweight title at the Manchester Arena on December 19. 

The 23-year-old is seen as a big underdog in the fight, with many pundits expecting Smith to easily win the bout.

Kelly is happy to play that role though, and he believes it will be a much closer fight than what people are predicting.

“Let’s have it right, no-one is expecting anything from me. People think Smith will blow me out early but I’m young and guarantee I’ll arrive on December 19 bursting with heart and ambition,” Kelly declared.

“I know I won’t fold. I’ll rise to the occasion. When I signed with Frank Warren I said I wanted a world title fight and he delivered, so I definitely think I’m ready and I’m happy to jump in.

“Even if I were to lose in good style, it’s still a win for me as my stock will rise and I’ll gain plenty of experience.

“All the pressure is on Liam. He dismisses me saying I’m his ‘Christmas wages’ but I’ve been around boxing and boxing people since I was four years old.

“I believe I’ve the strengths to overcome him. My manager Lee Beard has been around Smith’s camp and he has identified a few shortcomings from his recent fights which we believe we can exploit.

“I’ve also derived a lot of confidence from all the hard work I’ve been putting in at the gym, and having Ensley Bingham and Maurice Core in my corner will certainly help.”

Kelly has burst into the spotlight in recent months after having spent the majority of his career competing on undercards of small shows, but he doesn’t think that will be a factor in the fight.

“Just because I wasn’t boxing on TV doesn’t mean I didn’t learn my craft,” he added.

“I’ve served a quality apprenticeship on smaller shows and as a sparring partner to top guys like Matthew Hatton, Frankie Gavin, Tommy Langford, Brian Rose, Prince Arron and Vijender Singh.”

Kelly                                                                               Boxer Jimmy Kelly training at the Phil Martin Centre, Moss Side

Bolton-trained Smith will be making the first defence of the title he won by knocking out American John Thompson in October.

While Kelly is expecting to win the fight, he still believes that Smith will be at his 100 per cent best come fight night.

“Liam’s a quality kid and is the best of the brothers in my opinion, so win or lose, I know it’ll be a very tough night for me,” Kelly continued.

“He’s very patient and cuts the ring off well and I don’t doubt for one moment that he will train really hard and turn up in shape.

“I’ll be massively focused though and
mentally he could be looking past me and arrive a bit flat, so it will be a big mistake if he does.

“December 19 will be my sister’s 25th birthday as well and I intend on delivering her a world title as the perfect present.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/boxing/jimmy-kelly-v-liam-smith-10570585