Callum Smith came through the toughest test of his career to date in style, stopping durable Argentinean Ruben Acosta in the sixth round in Sheffield.
Liverpudlian Smith had failed to get beyond the opening three minutes of his six previous fights, the last of which saw him flatten Patrick Mendy to become the new English super-middleweight champion.
Promoter Eddie Hearn certainly pushed the level of opponent in picking Acosta, an experienced campaigner at the weight limit who had twice previously challenged for world titles.
The reigning South American champion proved a tough nut to crack in the first half of the bout, doing all he could to stay out of range as Smith dominated the centre of the ring.
He also tried to land shots himself, catching his rival occasionally. However, he never showed the kind of power capable of pushing Smith back, meaning it was just a matter of time until the 23-year-old caught up with him.
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Liverpudlian Smith had failed to get beyond the opening three minutes of his six previous fights, the last of which saw him flatten Patrick Mendy to become the new English super-middleweight champion.
Promoter Eddie Hearn certainly pushed the level of opponent in picking Acosta, an experienced campaigner at the weight limit who had twice previously challenged for world titles.
The reigning South American champion proved a tough nut to crack in the first half of the bout, doing all he could to stay out of range as Smith dominated the centre of the ring.
He also tried to land shots himself, catching his rival occasionally. However, he never showed the kind of power capable of pushing Smith back, meaning it was just a matter of time until the 23-year-old caught up with him.
[Click Here To Read More]
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