By Daibhóg McKee
Boxing Index reporter George Priestman believes Liverpool is in line to deliver another big night of fighting in 2022.
It comes after the success of Liverpool’s ‘derby-night’ when a packed M&S Arena watched Anthony Fowler and Liam Smith go head to head.
Priestman believes there are many local fighters including Peter McGrail, Callum Smith and even a second Liam Smith fight against top contender Jessie Vargas touted to headline the event.
“After the fight he [Hearn] came out and said that it’s the best domestic card that he’s put on, potentially ever, so I think he knows that Liverpool is a city that will always deliver,” said Priestman.
Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith scored an eighth round knock-out against fellow Liverpudlian Fowler on Saturday night.
In a gruelling derby, Smith landed a ferocious left-hook a minute before the bell to drop Fowler and secure the 30th victory of his professional career.
There was also praise for Fowler, with Priestman claiming his stock has risen despite being on the wrong end of the result.
“He went in there and showed he can mix it up and proved he can get up off the canvas twice.
“He didn’t win the British title against Scott Fitzgerald and I think that’s something that he needs to revisit.”
There were also many other homegrown fighters who impressed on the night and potentially set themselves up for stardom in the future.
The 10,000+ fans enjoyed a night of knockouts, controversial decisions and 12-round ‘slug-fests’ in a landmark event for the city.
“Liverpool is a very proud and famous city with a great history of sportspeople across all sports, especially boxing,” added Priestman.
“Obviously it’s a very passionate city as we saw with the crowds and the event could of sold-out 2 or 3 times over according to Eddie Hearn.
“It’s a place that really appreciates great sport and great entertainment.”
