Aaron McKenna dominates Liam Smith to anoint credentials as middleweight future

The Irishman dropped the ex-WBO light-middleweight title holder in the final round of a star-making performance, earning himself close to a blowout win on the scorecards.

It tees up a thrilling year for the star, who looked assured and composed throughout the contest, but raises questions over his opponent's future after a lacklustre return.

Smith had not fought professionally since a rematch loss to Chris Eubank Jr in late 2023, and returned here on the undercard of the latter's grudge match with Conor Benn.

• Read next | Chris Eubank Jr edges Conor Benn as modern British classic lives up to the hype

But not only was he overshadowed in the ring, he was outshone by the shock arrival of Chris Eubank Sr with his son for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium headline bout.

The popular Liverpudlian star will now be left to consider his future in the ring, but even he will have plenty to admire about his opponent, who he was quick to congratulate.

McKenna grew into the contest after a cagey opening round, and kept control of the ring across the first half of the fight, punctured by a few head clashes between the two.

Smith sought to counter further as the fight developed, likely realising he needed to wrestle back control from the younger man but could not find a way through to him.

He was then duly dropped with a body shot in the last round, but survived to the final bell as McKenna took a deserved triumph with scores of 119-108, 118-108 and 117-109.

The 'Silencer' will not dwell on his triumph over 'Beefy' for long however, with victory a stepping stone now to bigger challenges as he looks to leave his mark at middleweight.

DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle: How much does it cost? 

DAZN

The DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle is now available to purchase. 

The bundle will include two unmissable events starting off on May 2 with Ryan Garcia's clash with Rolando Romero. This main event will headline a card which also features Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez along with WBO and Ring Magazine Teofimo Lopez who defends his titles against Arnold Barboza Jr. 

Then on May 3, WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez will face IBF titleholder William Scull for the undisputed super middleweight title in the new fight capital of the world Riyadh. 

Fans can purchase both fights in the bundle for $90 in the US; £34.99 in the UK; and €39.99 in Europe. Click here for bundle prices in your country.

These two PPV events can also be purchased individually for $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; ROW - $24.99 per PPV.