Callum Smith burst into the upper echelon of the sport today in Saudi Arabia.
The fighting Smith family finally has its world title. After failures from Stephen, Liam , and a couple controversial losses suffered by eldest sibling Paul, Callum Smith (25-0, 18 KOs) has burst through to the top level of the super middleweight division to claim his belt. He did it in style too with an impressive seventh round finish over fellow countryman and longtime top super middleweight “Saint” George Groves (28-4, 20 KOs).
He mostly controlled it from the start too. It was a measured performance from the 28 year old. He stuck to the basics with his jab and straight right hand while Groves tried to bait him into more of a slugfest. In the briefest moments, like in an exciting third round exchange for example, “Mundo” Smith would engage, but he just as quickly regained his senses and re-established his range. After a strong couple rounds for the new titleholder, it did seem Groves was working his way into the fight with more activity. It was an odd fight in that regard. While Callum Smith often felt in control, the rounds were pretty close the whole way.
Scoring wouldn’t matter though. A big left hook had Groves in all sorts of trouble in the seventh. Smith attacked a bit recklessly with winging rights, but he re-measured his follow up to go to the body and return to his left hook. Groves collapsed under it all. Unfortunately, Callum also landed a clear and big shot with Groves already down, but for what it is worth I did feel like the fight was over there regardless. Clearly in bad shape, Saint George took the count on a knee to end the fight and his title reign.
The longtime promising prospect has finally emerged as an elite fighter.
