Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Liam Smith (boxer)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 22, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Liam Smith (boxer) made an impact.

Liam Smith is a British professional boxer best known for holding the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016. Prior to his world title reign, Smith secured multiple regional light-middleweight championships, including the prestigious British and Commonwealth titles, which he held between 2012 and 2015, establishing himself as a prominent force in the division.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: ABA Championship Win

In 2007, Liam Smith, as an amateur, won the ABA Championships, fighting at light welterweight, defeating Luke Gray.

October 2008: Professional Debut

On October 10, 2008, Liam Smith made his professional boxing debut at light-middleweight against Duncan Cottier in Liverpool, winning on points.

2008: Second ABA Championship Win

In 2008, Liam Smith won the ABA Championships for the second time, defeating Steve Turner.

2009: Victories Over McCauley and Gethin

In 2009, Liam Smith fought twice, outpointing Kevin McCauley and Darren Gethin in four-round contests.

2010: Mixed Results

In 2010, Liam Smith had a 4-round points win over Billy Smith, a draw against Terry Carruthers, and a TKO win over Matt Scriven.

2011: Knockout Wins

In 2011, Liam Smith secured a third-round knockout against Barrie Jones and a first-round knockout against Gerard Healy.

2012: Active Year

In 2012, Liam Smith had five fights, including wins against Paul Morby, Andrew Patterson, Dee Mitchell, and Gary McMillan in a British light-middleweight title eliminator.

2012: British and Commonwealth Titles

In 2012, Liam Smith held the British and Commonwealth light-middleweight titles.

July 2014: Title Defense Against Welborn

In July 2014, Liam Smith defended his title by knockout against Jason Welborn in round 6.

October 2014: WBA Continental Title Win

On October 25, 2014, Liam Smith defeated Zoltan Sera to win the vacant WBA Continental light-middleweight title.

March 2015: TKO Victory Over Talarek

On March 6, 2015, Liam Smith defeated Robert Talarek via eighth-round TKO.

August 2015: Announcement of WBO Title Fight

In August 2015, it was announced that Liam Smith would fight John Thompson for the vacant WBO light-middleweight title.

September 2015: Vacant British Light-Middleweight Title Win

On September 21, 2015, Liam Smith won the vacant British light-middleweight title against Erick Ochieng via unanimous decision.

December 2015: First WBO Title Defense

On December 19, 2015, Liam Smith successfully defended his WBO title against Jimmy Kilrain Kelly via TKO in the seventh round.

2015: WBO Light-Middleweight Title

In 2015, Liam Smith won the WBO light-middleweight title.

May 2016: WBO Title Defense Announcement

In May 2016, Liam Smith announced he would defend his WBO title against Predrag Radosevic.

June 2016: Announcement of Fight Against Canelo Álvarez

On June 24, 2016, it was announced that Liam Smith would defend his WBO title against Canelo Álvarez on September 17.

2016: End of WBO Title Reign

In 2016, Liam Smith's reign as the WBO light-middleweight champion came to an end.

January 2017: Negotiations for Fight Against Liam Williams

In January 2017, negotiations began for a fight between Liam Smith and Liam Williams.

March 2017: Fight in Spain

In March 2017, Liam Smith traveled to Spain and won a four-round fight on points against Marian Cazacu.

April 2017: Fight Set Against Williams

In April 2017, Liam Smith was set to fight Liam Williams. The fight would serve as a co-feature with Terry Flanagan's WBO lightweight title defence.

October 2017: Rematch Date

In October 2017, Liam Smith's rematch with Liam Williams was scheduled for October 28th in Manchester, then moved to Newcastle.

November 2017: Smith vs Williams Rematch

In November 2017, Liam Smith weighed in at 154 pounds for his fight against Liam Williams, who weighed in at 153.5 pounds. The fight was rescheduled to November 11th.

December 2017: Cotto Loses WBO Title

In December 2017, Miguel Cotto lost his WBO light middleweight title to Sadam Ali.

March 2018: Fight Confirmed

In March 2018, Liam Smith's bout against Sadam Ali was confirmed to take place on May 12th.

May 2018: Munguia Fight

In May 2018, a deal was being put together for Liam Smith to fight Jaime Munguia.

July 2018: Fight Against Munguia

In July 2018, Liam Smith fought Jaime Munguia, losing via unanimous decision.

2018: Future Plans for WBO Title

In 2018, following his win against Williams, it was confirmed that Liam Smith's next fight would be for the WBO title, regardless of Miguel Cotto's decision to retire or vacate the title.

August 2019: TKO Victory

On August 24, 2019, Liam Smith defeated Mario Alberto Lozano via seventh-round TKO.

October 2021: TKO Victory over Fowler

On October 9, 2021, Liam Smith defeated Anthony Fowler via 8th round TKO.

January 2023: TKO Victory over Eubank Jr.

On January 21, 2023, Liam Smith defeated Chris Eubank Jr. via TKO in the 4th round.

June 2023: Eubank Jr. vs. Smith Rematch Scheduled

In June 2023, the rematch between Eubank Jr. and Smith was originally scheduled for June 17, 2023, at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, marking a significant event in Smith's boxing career.