Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith's domestic middleweight clash headlined a stacked card in Manchester.
Liam Smith produced the finish of his career to stop Chris Eubank Jr in the fourth session inside a noisy Manchester Arena.
Despite starting the bout a significant underdog, the Liverpool man made a mockery of the pre-fight odds as he launched a blistering attack that stunned Eubank before he found the shots to end matters.
Eubank started the contest well as he used his sharp jab to try and keep Smith out of range. In the fight’s third session, Eubank’s confidence appeared to be growing as he added the uppercut to his jab, and it looked to be working well.
If the fight looked like it was going Eubank’s way following the third round, it took a dramatic turn the following stanza.
Going after Eubank in the corner, a right hand from Smith buzzed the Brighton fighter. Further shots, most notably the left uppercut, forced Eubank to the floor and even though he got to his feet, he looked finished.
One more onslaught from Smith was all it took as the referee jumped in to prevent further punishment.
It's all over. Smith attacks Eubank in the corner and it sets off a crazy turn of events. Eubank goes down and even though he beats the count, a further assault from Smith ends the contest.
A Smith round. Eubank is trying to win the fight with his jab but Smith is moving his head well and getting his own shots off. The rounds are close, but it's Smith who takes the second. 10-9 Smith
Both men will be satisfied with their start. Not much has landed but both look comfortable. Smith has already closed the distance but Eubank is just that little bit busier. 10-9 Eubank
Richard Riakporhe prepared for an imminent world title shot by stopping former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki in four rounds. Riakporhe took his time in the fight's early stages but he exploded into life in round four with a big attack. Glowacki was unable to fire back and that forced the referee to step in.
Ekow Essuman retained his Lonsdale belt as he took all Chris Kongo had to offer in a tightly fought bout. Neither man could pull away and put their dominance on the bout and that was reflected in the final scorecards as Essuman kept his title by the narrowest of margins. Scores were 116-113, 115-114, and 114-114.
Joseph Parker returned to winning ways against Jack Massey but it was nowhere near the vintage Joseph Parker that people are used to. The former world champion was in a low gear throughout the meeting as he failed to put a dent in the former cruiserweight. If Parker wants bigger fights then he'll need to improve as his latest points win will not put him in the shop window for the division's leading names.
Frazer Clarke was too strong for Kevin Espindola as he continued his march towards a British title shot. The 2020 Olympian was in control throughout and Espindola wanted no more at the end of round four.
It's a big night of boxing in Manchester that's headlined by Chris Eubank Jr's grudge match with Liam Smith. We'll have all the big updates from the show once things kick-off.
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