Scores of 119-105 x2, and 117-107 demonstrated just how one-sided the contest was, but Germain displayed huge courage as he climbed off the canvas three times to ensure he heard the final bell. 

Smith delighted his fans inside Park Community Arena as he proved his world level credentials with another impressive display that has him knocking on the door of all the leading names at lightweight. 

• BUY NOW HERE: Eubank Jr. vs Benn DAZN PPV at £19.95; $24.99; €24.99

The unbeaten star continues to be linked with a showdown with domestic rival, Adam Azim, but it appears that a world title shot is his preferred option and that could take place at some point this year. 

It appeared that Smith was set to land an early night when he dropped Germain with a well-timed left hook in the second session, but the bell sounded to end the round before Smith could follow up with another attack. 

Germain, from that point, was in survival mode and although Smith moved forward patiently, Germain showed excellent survival instincts to make it to the end, especially after he was dropped for a third time in the last session. 

“I want the world title next,” said Smith when speaking to DAZN afterwards. “I’m hoping the boss man next to me [Eddie Hearn] can get me my world title shot.” 

Smith’s attention will now turn to New York City on May 2 when Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza clash in a huge fight to determine the best fighter at 140lbs. Whoever comes out on top will be a serious target for Smith.

Watch three incredible fight nights in one week only on DAZN

Fight fans are in for a treat at the end of April / start of May, with three amazing fight cards within seven days - and DAZN PPV is the only place to watch them all.

• April 26:  Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
• May 2:  Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero; Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez; Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
• May 3:  Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull

Arch rivals Eubank Jr and Benn finally go head-to-head to start the exhilarating week, with PPV prices at £19.95 in the UK; $24.99 in the US; €24.99 in Europe.

Garcia vs. Romero and Canelo vs. Scull fight nights follow, which will both be exclusively on DAZN. Fight fans can purchase either fight individually for  $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; ROW - $24.99 per PPV  or take advantage of the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle where both fights can be purchased for  $90 US; £34.99 in the UK and €34.99 in Europe .