Smith Secures Bizarre Stoppage Victory In Home City

Liam Smith returned to the Echo Arena in Liverpool as a new Boxxer fighter, headlining a card that featured fellow Liverpudlian Natasha Jonas. Beefy fought Hassan Mwakinyo in the main event at super welter, as he looked to get back in the big time in terms of massive fights. As expected, in front of home support, Smith secured the stoppage but in bizarre fashion.

Smith, 34, left Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom as he wanted to press ahead in the twilight of his career and challenge for a world title or, at the very least, be in big money fights. After defeat to Magomed Kurbanov, Beefy has put together impressive victories over fellow scouser Anthony Fowler and Jesse Vargas before entering the ring against Mwakinyo, who was deemed a live and dangerous opponent.

The twenty-seven-year-old Tanzanian headed to Liverpool, albeit late, which was of some concern, with twenty wins and just two defeats on his record. And, with fourteen of his twenty victories coming by way of knockout, it was felt he could challenge Smith and push him all the way. And, in the opening exchanges, he certainly attempted to make his presence felt.

Smith was just beginning to settle into his groove in the fourth, and when he upped the ante, Mwakinyo seemed to fold under pressure, taking the knee but suggesting to the referee that his gum shield had accidentally fallen out. But, in situations like this, a fighter must wait for the referee to allow the fight to be halted so a gum shield can be put back in place.

After the brief stoppage, which had included a standing count and riled Smith, again, the boxer who comes from a famous fighting family upped the ante, and Mwakinyo appeared to cower as he crouched and took to the floor. Referee Victor Loughlin had seen enough and waved the fight off as he determined that the Tanzanian had surrendered and was in no position to continue. It was a stoppage, but it wasn’t the stoppage Beefy was looking for in his home city, as he wanted to put on a show for his fans.

While it wasn’t the statement Smith wanted to put out to those in the boxing world, it was another victory, and he is now in a position where he could get what he’s looking for via Boxxer and promotor Ben Shalom. Smith has spoken about his desire to fight Chris Eubank Jr, but at present, he’s currently tied up preparing for a mega bout against Conor Benn at a catchweight later this year.

There is also the potential for him to achieve his dreams and fight for world titles, with Jermell Charlo currently the king of the super-welterweight division. Described as the most avoided fighter in the sport, Smith could take him on in a box office show on Sky Sports if Shalom and his Boxxer outfit can strike a deal with the American’s people.