DeGale stops Smith

The 24-year-old Londoner, contesting only his ninth pro fight after winning gold in Beijing, produced some classy punching against the home favourite and the fight was stopped after a flurry of blows in the ninth.

Holder Smith, beaten only once previously, was cut in the fifth round by a clash of heads but fought on grimly but without ever really shaking his opponent.

"I was too good and always felt in control," DeGale, tipped to follow in the footsteps of former British world super-middleweight champions Chris Eubanks and Nigel Benn, said.

Welshman Nathan Cleverly also picked up a belt at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, but needed a decision to overcome Nadjib Mohammedi for the WBO interim light-heavyweight title.

It was an awkward night for the 23-year-old, who maintained his unbeaten record largely thanks to the negative boxing of his rival - only landing combinations of note in the eighth and ninth rounds of a cagey encounter.

"That was frustrating, and he was a very awkward opponent," Cleverly said after the 115-112, 116-111, 115-113 win.

Earlier in the night, Kell Brook romped to an impressive two-round victory over Ghanaian Philip Kotey, and is now tipped for a shot at WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Sheffield-based Brook dazzled fans at the Liverpool Echo Arena with his lightning reactions, downing Kotey at the end of the first round before forcing the referee to call a halt in the second round.

With the win behind him he is next in line for a shot at the WBO title - currently held by legendary Filipino boxer Pacquiao.

"I was hoping to make a statement," said Brook, referring to his disappointing performance in his recent fight against Michael Jennings.

"I'll fight anyone, I don't avoid anyone. I can't wait for the New Year."

Brook's promoter Frank Warren confirmed that he has hopes of arranging a fight with Pacquiao.

"(Kell) is ranked number one by the WBO," said Warren.

"We are just waiting to see what happens with Manny Pacquiao and whether he vacates or not. It's not a race, I'm quite sure he will become a world champion."

On the same bill in Liverpool Matthew Macklin was forced to work hard for a points victory against Ruben Varon to defend his European middleweight title.

The Birmingham fighter was matched punch-for-punch for much of the bout against his Spanish opponent, and was lucky not to see the fight stopped late on as he had blood pouring from both eyes.

But Macklin held on and was awarded a 116-111, 116-113, 117-111 decision by the judges.

"It wasn't a great performance, but I got the win and I'm still the European champion," said Macklin.