Smith shocks Mendes

Reporters’ star ratings for main events and undercards are based on in-ring entertainment, competitiveness and whether overall expectation was met

BIG-HITTING Jamie Smith ripped the Southern Area cruiserweight title from defending champion Daniel Mendes, forcing referee Kieran McCann to intervene in the second of a scheduled 10-rounder at York Hall.

Southpaw Mendes (Silvertown) was trapped on the ropes near Smith’s corner and Smith let fly with both hands. Mendes ducked and covered up as best he could, and certainly took several shots on his gloves, but Smith simply poured it on until Mendes lurched spectacularly and Mr McCann called it off at 1-37. Mendes was given oxygen in the corner