WATCH: Callum Smith BRUTALLY HALTS Mathieu Bauderlique

Written by Jared Parry on 20th August 2022.

Callum Smith fires his name right into the light heavyweight world title picture as he returned to the site of his first world title triumph as he brutally stopped Mathieu Bauderlique in round four of a fantastic fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Bauderlique came racing out the blocks in round one, looking to cause Smith issues. Bauderlique was throwing punches in bunches but it would be Smith who would be more accurate as he wobbled his opponent early on. The pair put on an action-packed second round, which saw both men trading massive shots with Bauderlique commonly backed up against the ropes but still firing in meaningful shots. Much of the same was seen in round three, as Smith continued to pin his man on the ropes with both men landing heavy blows, Bauderlique even managed to turn Smith onto the ropes on occasions, but Smith would continue his accurate work.

Round four saw the closing shot of the bout, Bauderlique landed a shot early which Smith felt, however, the next shot Bauderlique would land would be met with a counter left-hook from Smith, sending his opponent to the canvas. Smith smelt blood and did not let his man off the hook as Smith simply could not miss. When Smith pinned Bauderlique on the ropes again, Bauderlique tried to fire back but smith would throw a vicious shot that would see Bauderlique get dropped in brutal fashion, ending the bout in the fourth.

Smith now moves on to be the mandatory challenger for Artur Beterbiev's WBC world title and has sent out a strong message to the light heavyweight division.