Callum Smith (21-0, 16 KO’s) easily stopped Hungary’s Norbert Nemesapati (21-4, 16 KO’s), after seven one-sided rounds of their WBC Silver super middleweight title fight.
Smith (167lbs) is the mandatory challenger for Badou Jack’s WBC title and has been waiting patiently to find out when he will be granted a shot at the famous green and gold belt. He cruised past Nemesapati (166lbs) without ever having to leave second gear.
Liverpool’s Smith, 26, towered over the visitor and utilised every inch of that physical advantage to totally nullify every attempt Nemesapati made to make an impact on him. To his credit, the Hungarian was aggressive in patches and let his hands go but he was over-matched in every aspect. A left hook to the body dropped the visitor at the end of the seventh round and he and his corner made the joint decision not to answer the bell for the eighth.
Smith must now wait to see if Badou Jack will attempt to unify the 168lb division against IBF champion James DeGale, or take him on in a mandatory title defence.
“There were good bits and bad bits,” Smith told Sky Sports. “It took me a few rounds to get going.
“I need a bit of a challenge and a fear factor now. I’ve been the WBC silver champion for over a year. I think I deserve my shot. I need to know what’s happened with Badou Jack and James DeGale so I know what’s going on with my own career—I need my shot (at the WBC title).”
“It is a great time for British boxing and I’m glad to be part of it,” added Joe Gallagher, his trainer.
