Usyk vs AJ: Callum Smith blasts through Mathieu Bauderlique to win world title eliminator | Boxing News

Liverpool’s Callum Smith takes out Mathieu Bauderlique to win an eliminator for the WBC light-heavyweight title on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua bill at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Saturday.

Smith won his first world title at this same venue four years ago when he defeated George Groves to become the WBA super-middleweight champion and claim the World Boxing Super Series.

Since losing his world title to Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, Smith has made changes, joining trainer Buddy McGirt and moving up to light-heavyweight.

But he is determined to become a two-weight world champion. He impressed last year with a chilling stoppage victory over Lenin Castillo and has earned another shot at a world title with this victory over Bauderlique in Saudi Arabia.

The Frenchman was a credible opponent, who was ranked second in the WBC rankings, had only lost once before in his professional career and won an Olympic bronze medal at Rio 2016. But Smith would not be denied.

Smith took the centre of the ring early on, but concentrated on containing Bauderlique’s southpaw jab.

The Frenchman was busy, wielding his back-hand left to close in on the taller Smith. The Liverpudlian began to judge the distance between them and launched a fine cross to shake Bauderlique and knock him back.

Smith took him to the ropes but Bauderlique swung back wildly, his hooks clattering into the head as he fought for breathing room.

Opening up with vicious hooks to the body, Smith was drawn into trading off with Bauderlique.

But in the fourth round he swept his left hook across, catching Bauderlique high on the head and dropping him.

He set about him and forced a finish with a tremendous left hook that knocked the Frenchman out.

Anthony Joshua’s huge heavyweight rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk vs Joshua 2 now!

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