Liam Smith

Liam Smith (born 27 July 1988) is a British professional boxer. He held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016, having previously held the Commonwealth light-middleweight title from 2012 to 2013, and the British light-middleweight title from 2013 to 2015. Liam is the younger brother of Paul Smith and Stephen Smith, and the older brother of Callum Smith; all of whom are also professional boxers.

As an amateur, Smith fought for Rotunda ABC in Liverpool. He is a two-time winner of the ABA Championships, having won in 2007 and 2008, fighting at light welterweight. In 2007 he defeated Luke Gray (of Stevenage ABC) and in 2008 he defeated Steve Turner (of the British Army).

Early career

Liam Smith made his professional debut at light-middleweight on 10 October 2008 against Duncan Cottier at the Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool. In a four-round fight, Smit won on points as referee Steve Gray scored it (40-36). This was part of a stacked card by Queensberry Promotions which also had future world titlists such as Nathan Cleverly, Anthony Crolla, Tony Bellew as well as Liam's older brother Stephen. In his second pro fight, Smith defeated John Van Emmenis via 1st-round TKO. Smith only fought twice in 2009, outpointing Kevin McCauley and Darren Gethin in four round contests. Smith fought three times in 2010, first a 4-round points win over Billy Smith, a (38-38) points draw against Terry Carruthers and a 2nd round TKo of veteran Matt Scriven. After a 9-month lay off, Smith fought twice again in 2011, a 3rd-round KO off Barrie Jones and a 1st-round KO off Gerard Healy. Healy dropped to one knee from a bodyshot and right uppercut and was counted out. 2012 was the most active year of Smith since his pro debut as he fought five times, an 8 rounds points win against Paul Morby, a 1st-round TKO win against Andrew Patterson, a six-round points win against Dee Mitchell and a 10-round points win against Gary McMillan which was a British light-middleweight title eliminator. At the age of 24, this left Smith with a record of 12 wins, 5 by way of knockout, 1 draw and no losses.

British light-middleweight champion

Smith had his last fight of 2015 on December 15 at the ExCel Arena in London, for the vacant Commonwealth light-middleweight title against Steve O'Meara (16-2, 5 KOs) in his first 12-round fight. Smith knocked O'Meara down in round 1 and went on to win the fight on all three scorecards (118-110, 116-112 twice). After a 6-month gap, Smith returned to his hometown of Liverpool to defeat journeyman Max Maxwell on points after 6 round. Smith had his next tough fight on 21 September 2015 against Kenyan born Erick Ochieng (14-1, 4 Kos) at the Olympia. Smith won via 12 round unanimous decision on all scorecards (116-113, 117-112 twice) to win the vacant BBBofC British light-middleweight title. In December, Smith successfully defended the title by stopping Mark Thompson (24-3, 15 KOs) in round 4. Thompson was down twice in the 3rd round. In July 2014, Smith defended the title again this time winning by way of knockout against Jason Welborn (15-2, 16 KOs) in round 6.

Rising up the Ranks

On 25 October 2014 Smith beat Zoltan Sera (16-2, 10 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool for the vacant WBA Continental light-middleweight title. Smith was cut above the right eye in a 2nd round head clash which required 5 stitches, and Sera was knocked down in the 3rd round as the fight came to an end. On 6 March 2015, Smith fought againa t the Echo Aerna, this time against Robert Talarek. Smith won via 8th-round TKO. A month later in April, Smith fought and defeated David Ezequiel Romero via 7th-round TKO to win the vacant WBO Inter-Continental light-middleweight title. Romero was knocked down once in the 3rd round, twice in the 5th and once in the 6th before the fight came to an end. After the win, this left Smith with a record of 20 wins with 10 by knockout, 1 draw and no losses.

WBO light-middleweight champion

Smith vs. Thompson

It was announced on August 2015 that Smith would fight John Thompson (17-1, 6 KOs) for the WBO light-middleweight title, left vacant by Demetrius Andrade. Smith was initially supposed to be taking on Frenchman Michel Soro, only for an internal issue with promoters Top Rank to force him out. The fight took place on 10 October at the Manchester Arena, Manchester. Smith became the new WBO world champion after seeing off Thompson with a seventh-round knockout. Smith slowly grew into the fight following a defensive first few rounds. By the time the sixth round came Smith, one of four boxing brothers, was on the rise thanks to a few well-placed jabs and he produced the decisive punch in the seventh, leaving the referee to wave the fight in his favour.

Smith vs. Kelly

On 19 December 2015, Smith returned to the Manchester Arena on the undercard of Lee–Saunders World title fight. Smith dominated 'Jimmy' Kilrain Kelly (16-0, 7 KOs), making his first successful defense of his WBO light-middleweight title. Kelly was deducted two points in the sixth round for illegal head butting, and stopped late in the seventh round. Kelly produced a brave display, against the more experienced champion. Despite Smith dominating the contest, Kelly showed his guts and potential, troubling Smith on occasions in almost every round.

Smith vs. Radosevic

On 9 May 2016, Smith announced he would defend his World title against Predrag Radosevic (30-1, 11 KOs) at the Echo Arena on 4 June. This was Smith's first defence of his new title in his home city of Liverpool. This was announced after Austin Trout backed out. Smith won the fight in the 2nd round to retain his world title. This was Smith's eight consecutive knockout victory.

Smith vs. Álvarez

On 24 June it was announced that Smith would make his 3rd defence of his world title against Mexican Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) on 17 September in the main event on an HBO PPV card. Golden Boy Promotions announced on July 18, the bout will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The other venue looking to host the fight was the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight was contested at the official light middleweight of 154 lbs and not 155 lbs, a weight in which Álvarez had fought his last 5 fights.

Smith lost his first fight as a professional when he was knocked down following a vicious left hook to the body in round 9. Smith, who lost his world title, was dropped once in round 7 and once in round 8. Álvarez was in control from the opening bell. The fight broke the boxing attendance record at the stadium, with an announcement of 51,240. Golden Boy later announced fight drew an estimated 300,000 ppv buys.