FORMER world champion Callum Smith produced a devastating left-hook knockout on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
The 32-year-old Liverpudlian was facing Frenchman Mathieu Bauderlique in a final eliminator for the WBC light-heavyweight title.
And the fans in Saudi Arabia were treated to an entertaining four-round brawl before Smith finished it in devastating fashion.
The ex-super-middleweight champ followed up a vicious left-hook to the ribs with a fight-ending headshot which folded 33-year-old Bauderlique up on the canvas.
It was a statement win from Smith – who is now the mandatory challenger to WBC title holder Artur Beterbiev.
Speaking after his KO win, the Brit said: “A good performance, another good knockout win here and puts me in line for a world title next time so a good night.
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“He engaged, caught me a few times but we move on, happy with the finish. It was a good shot, a good finish. He came out game, it was a bit of a shootout but I was confident of my ability.
“I want a world title, that’s what I’m in the game for – to be a two-weight world champion. I just want to keep winning and at some stage I will become a world champion.”
And the boxing world reacted to the sensational finish by praising Smith on social media.
Former super-bantamweight king Carl Frampton said: “What a finish from @CallumSmith23. Over early but probably got hit more than he’d have liked.
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“He’s brought the power up with him. Two weight world champ? Why not?”
And ex-cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew, who is also from Liverpool, added: “Ruthless performance from Callum Smith Bauderlique is a good fighter who came to win!
“No one has stretched him like that before! 2 weight world champion incoming for our great city!”
Smith’s performance came on the undercard of Joshua’s bid to reclaim three versions of the world heavyweight title against Usyk.
