Bellew: Only James DeGale is a Threat To Beat Callum Smith at 168

Callum Smith destroyed Hadillah Mohoumadi inside a round to land a shot at the WBC World Super-Middleweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Callum became the first of the Smith brothers to win a European title and the unbeaten star, and it’s the third belt that Smith has won in the first round, with Patrick Mendy (English) and Rocky Fielding (British) succumbing in the opening session to the brutal power and smart shot selection of the 25 year old.

Mohoumadi began brightly as he went on the attach from the off, but having cornered Smith the Frenchman felt the force of a left-hand counter that was a sign of the punishment to come. Again, the defending champion attacked the hometown star but when Smith unleashed a trademark stinging bodyshot, Mohoumadi retreated to the ropes and his hands drop, leading to a barrage of unanswered shots that saw the contest waved off after 101 seconds.

Post-fight on Sky Sports, fellow Merseyside man Tony Bellew said of the World champions at 168lbs, only IBF king James DeGale MBE would pose problems to the precocious Smith, who is now mandatory for the WBC belt held by Badou Jack.

“I feel I am getting better and better, hitting harder and getting bigger,” said Smith. “I prepared for a tough night, he’d never been stopped before and he’s European champion, but Joe Gallagher said he would try to come on early so I was ready for that and I hurt him with every counter. I do believe when I put those little gloves on I can hurt anyone.

“I’d like to fight for the World title in September, but if I have to wait then so be it. I’m only 25 and I am improving all the time. Every time I step up I win so why not keep going.”

According to cruiserweight Tony Bellew, only DeGale is a legitimate threat to beat Smith at 168-pounds.

"The best way to explain it is to look through those fighters and there's only James DeGale who poses him a threat," he told Sky Sports. "Every other fighter? How do they beat Callum Smith? How does Arthur Abraham beat Callum? He can't out-box him, he can't out-fight him and he can't out-muscle him.

"Then we go to Badou Jack, a guy who likes to box at range and work his way in. If Callum wanted to he could dictate at range with his jab, but he's also got the power to take him. I know Chunky, he hasn't had as many fights but he's someone who can out-hustle you. He's someone who can pick his way in, out-hustle you. He's a southpaw, he's awkward and also has underrated power himself. He's the full package, Chunky.

"Someone like Arthur Abraham is one dimensional - he'd eat him alive! Callum Smith standing in front of Felix Sturm would look like light-heavyweight against middleweight, two divisions apart."