Smith caps perfect night for Dewsbury boxers

THORNHILL’S Michael Smith capped a perfect night for the Dewsbury boxers when he turned in the best display of his professional career to outclass Swansea veteran Chris Brophy.

Smith, 19, had to endure a long wait and he didn’t enter the ring until just after 10.30pm but he proved he is a fighter to keep a keen eye on by producing a slick display.

Many fans who had roared Gary Sykes to victory stayed on to support Smith and he didn’t let them down, as he outclassed 32-year-old Brophy, winning all four rounds in some style.

Smith rocked Brophy with some impressive jabs in the first round and came out for the second with a flurry of punches, which left the Welshman with a bloody nose.

Smith delighted trainer Julian McGowan with a fierce body shot, followed quickly by a blow to the head as he almost forced a stoppage and left his opponent running for cover.

Smith had drawn two of his first three professional bouts but he left no doubt in referee Steve Gray’s mind by continuing to dominate the third round.

Smith came out for the final session and again he almost stopped Brophy after forcing him back onto the ropes but the Swansea man survived.

Smith was still delighted to have earned a 40-36 points victory and his record now reads two wins and two draws from four fights.

He said: “I could have forced a stoppage but I didn’t want to rush my work and I wanted to put on a performance for the fans.

“I have been training with Gary and when he has been sparring 12 rounds preparing for his title fight, I have been doing 12 on the bags, so I felt fit and strong.”

McGowan added: “I thought Michael put on a very mature performance and his victory put the icing on the cake in what has been an excellent night.”