Liam Smith Plays the Name Game as Zolani Tete Impresses Again in Liverpool
Liam Smith didn’t waste much time in defending his WBO super welterweight title on Saturday.
The champion wasn’t expected to have too many problems dealing with the unheralded Predrag Radosevic (30-2, 11 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.
Sure enough, local lad Smith (22-0-1, 13 KOs) needed only four minutes and 34 seconds to see off the man from Montenegro.
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In terms of a homecoming for Smith, who won the belt in nearby Manchester in 2015, it was over before it had barely begun. It was barely worth putting out the bunting.
Still, Bleacher Report has picked out some of the key talking points from the main event as well as the action on the undercard.
Short and Sweet
Radosevic always seemed to be nothing more than a sacrificial lamb.
The challenger had only lost once in his pro career. However, that defeat, against Felix Sturm in 2013, saw Radosevic dismantled inside four rounds.
Taking a leaf out of Sturm’s book, Smith broke down his rival by targeting the body early and often. When the first blow thudded into the Montenegrin, it quickly became obvious he was way, way out of his depth.
A left hook, landing just under the ribs, produced an early finish:
Smith has now won eight on the spin inside the distance. He has become accustomed to breaking down opponents who, quite frankly, are beneath him.
The reason why opponents eventually buckle is his relentless work to the body. Allow him to get in close and you better be prepared to suffer.
Former fighter Matthew Hatton and newly crowned WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew pointed out as much on Twitter:
Now Smith needs to find out if the same tactics can work on a higher calibre of fighter.
Speaking of which…
The Name Game
Smith needs to face a big name. That is stating the obvious.
He’s had 24 bouts as a pro, but now, as a world champion, he is desperate to make every fight count. This is his time to not only create a legacy but also cash in on his status.
His post-fight interview with BoxNation was actually more entertaining than the bout itself.
Smith has made no secret of wanting to take on a recognised opponent. He spoke of his desire to go up against any of the notable boxers at 154 pounds—including Saul Alvarez and Miguel Cotto.
However, there was another intriguing proposition talked about at length during the televised chat.
Frank Warren—Smith's promoter—certainly had a lot to say on the topic of a potential all-English showdown against Kell Brook:
Brook, of course, is currently campaigning down at welterweight.
The reigning IBF champion is almost certain to face WBO holder Jessie Vargas in a unification bout next, according to Isaac Robinson of SkySports.com.
However, Brook could opt to step up a division in the future. He was obviously paying attention to the televised comments from the Echo Arena, judging by his activity on Twitter:
Smith has other options: Jermell and Jermall Charlo hold the WBC and IBF titles, respectively. Erislandy Lara, meanwhile, has the WBA belt in his possession.
Any of the names—and I mean any of the names—mentioned above would be welcome challenges for Smith.
What is clear is that he doesn’t need to be wasting his time on many more opponents at the level of Radosevic.
Tete Right At Home
Zolani Tete is a South African who has found a second home in Liverpool.
His third appearance in the English city saw him stop fellow bantamweight Victor Ruiz and retain his IBF International title.
Tete is a joy to watch as a spectator, but he must be a nightmare to face in the ring.
He is a 5’9” southpaw who boasts a 74 per cent KO statistic, per BoxRec. As well as being comfortable fighting off front and back foot, the 28-year-old doesn't mind a battle up close.
Tete has already been a world champion at super flyweight—it’s a good bet he goes on to do the same at 118 pounds
However, few in the division will relish the prospect of facing a man who has now been given a new nickname of the Scouse African.
One more thing—Zolani, you're welcome to fight again in England any time you please.
It’s a Knockout!
The chief support to Smith’s world-title defence also proved to be brief.
However, Ryan Farrag’s clash with Karim Guerfi contained more action in a touch over eight minutes than any Wladimir Klitschko fight in the last decade.
Farrag—who was defending his European bantamweight belt—started fast.
Yet the promising early signs from the local fighter disappeared when he was on the wrong end of a wonderful left hook from Frenchman Guerfi in Round 3.
The punch sent Farrag flying face first to the canvas. Yes, face first:
He did get up in time to beat the count, but he completely lost his bearings. As referee Massimiliano Bianco reached eight, Farrag was looking the wrong way while stuck in a corner.
So, while Smith coasted to a win in his own back yard, poor Farrag suffered a demoralising defeat in front of his fans.
It will be of little consolation that the punch that ended his reign produced the best knockout of the night.
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