Nothing excites Liverpool fight fans more than a local derby and this weekend they have the opportunity to enjoy another one as Liam Smith takes on Anthony Fowler in what promises to be an explosive encounter. Here, DAZN News looks back at some recent Scouse scraps that have headlined in the city’s famous arena.
Tony Dodson vs. Tony Quigley, 2009
The inaugural show at Liverpool’s new waterfront arena saw George Groves make an early appearance on the bill as well as David Price’s professional debut. The main event was scheduled to be Tony Dodson and Brian Magee fighting for the British belt at 12st but an injury to the latter meant that Tony Quigley was promoted from the undercard to take on his city rival in the main event. It was an inspired decision.
Despite hitting the deck early, Dodson rallied brilliantly to dominate the middle rounds as he built a decent lead on the scorecards. In the final session, Dodson opted for aggression instead of protecting his lead and he was made to pay. Quigley repeatedly found the target of Dodson and with only seconds left on the clock, this mini-classic was stopped as the late substitute took home the Lonsdale belt.
Tony Quigley vs. Paul Smith, 2009
After securing local bragging rights against Dodson, Quigley was aiming for further legitimacy in his home city as he made his first defence against Paul Smith. Smith was a stellar amateur who had been climbing the ranks impressively at middleweight, but he made the leap to 12st when a series of British title opportunities presented themselves.
In front of a congested audience, Quigley and Smith, following a feisty build-up, delivered 12 close rounds that left the judges split. In the end, it was the aggression of the 2002 Commonwealth silver medallist that those scoring the fight favoured as Smith became domestic ruler before embarking on a run that would see him challenge for world titles.
Paul Smith vs. Tony Dodson, 2010
For a third consecutive fight, the British belt was contested between two Liverpool fighters as Smith made his maiden defence against former champion, Dodson. Once again, the Echo Arena was well attended as the two fighters put on a bloody fight that appeared to be ending early due to injuries sustained by Smith.
Nursing multiple cuts, Smith performed admirably as he failed to let the lacerations deter his mission as he pushed the fight as much as possible. Dodson tried to inflict more damage but Smith’s freshness in the second half ensured that the he remained the city’s best fighter at 12st. The pair would meet three years later in Bolton where Smith was once again victorious.
Callum Smith vs. Rocky Fielding, 2015
Anticipation was sky high for Callum Smith’s meeting with Rocky Fielding. Both fighters had once been teammates at Liverpool’s illustrious Rotunda ABC, but that friendship went out the window as the pair met on a wintry night at the backend of 2015 following perfect starts to both their careers.
With the boxing community split on the outcome, Smith made a mockery of pre-fight predictions as he produced the type of performance that makes an entire sport take notice. Fielding was ambitious but anything he tried was quickly countered by Smith’s heavier artillery. After visiting the canvas on three occasions in a hectic opener, Fielding was saved by the referee as Smith celebrated with his family.
Watch Eddie Hearn make Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowler official at Fight Camp