The pair fought in Manchester and after a relatively even opening few rounds, the fourth saw Eubank Jr. unable to resist his opponent, and after one knockdown the referee let action recommence for a few seconds before he stepped in to wave the fight off in favour of the Liverpudlian.

The pair had exchanged ugly barbs in the build-up to the fight, drawing an apology before the bout from Smith, but after the result Eubank Jr. appeared ready to put that behind him, though he thought he could have continued.

“I felt like I could have gone on but he caught me with a great shot. The build-up was the build-up, it got a bit ugly at the end and I regretted that,” he said after the fight.

“I respect you, I respect your family and I always have. If the fans want to see a rematch, we can get it on at Anfield. Big respect.”

Later, Eubank Jr tweeted to reiterate his thoughts: "Congratulations to Liam tonight, nice lil shot you caught me with there, my boy. Felt like I could have kept going but referee is in charge and I respect his decision. We'll get it on again soon."