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