Hearn: Badou Jack Will Not Stand Up To Callum Smith's Power

By Elliot Foster

ECHO Arena, Liverpool, England –– Callum Smith underlined his world title potential by ousting his opponent inside a round.

The 25-year-old super middleweight, who is the current British champion, iced Hadillah Mohoumadi after just one minute and 41 seconds, live on Sky Sports at the ECHO Arena.

Smith, who is now the number one contender for the WBC crown after winning the final eliminator against the Frenchman, retained his WBC Silver belt and added the European title, which was held by the 35-year-old, to his ever-growing roster of furniture.

He went into the ring on a seek and destroy mission, Smith, knowing that the mandatory position for Badou Jack was up for grabs.

And Mohoumadi, who went for the Liverpudlian from the first bell, paid the price as he was caught with a crisply-thrown counter left hook before being subject to a barrage of 17 unrelenting shots, prior to the referee –– Francisco Alloza Rosa  –– stepping between the pair and calling a halt to the fight.

Afterwards, ‘Mundo’ said that he believes he’s well on the way to becoming the world’s best at 168lbs.

“I’d prepared for a hard 12 rounds,” Smith told Boxing Scene.

“I had respect for him in the build-up and knew that he hadn’t been stopped, as well as going 12 [rounds] with [IBF champion James] DeGale.

“I knew he’d come out swinging, so I had to be careful, but I caught him, hurt him and wanted to get him out of there.

“Although I’m 19-0, I’m still only 25, I’m still learning and I believe I can one day become the best super middleweight in the world.”

Jack faces Lucian Bute in a voluntary defense later this month.

Promoter Eddie Hearn doubts Jack will face his fighter.

"Every now and again a special fighter comes along. This kid is the real deal. This man is going to dominate the super-middleweight division. He's going to fight for the WBC world title and he's going to win it," Hearn said.

"Callum is the mandatory for September. If they choose to unify, maybe we'll have to wait 90 more days. It doesn't matter - he's only going to get better and better. This boy has it all. Badou Jack isn't going to want to face him. Jack isn't standing up to his power.

"I'm telling you now, this boy is going to dominate the division. He's a scary, scary man. He makes the limit well and they've got to face him. They can't run and he's going to beat them all."