STOURBRIDGE’S Sam Eggington suffered a stoppage defeat against Liam Smith in Liverpool.

The Savage put up a typically brave showing but found former WBO super-welterweight world champion Smith far too strong at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday night.

Smith, making his debut under the Matchroom banner and keen to force another world title shot this year, was quick to dominate against the former British and Commonwealth champion.

He was able to trap Eggington on the ropes in round one and found the cleaner work from the off.

The second, third and fourth rounds followed a similar pattern as the Savage was notably cut to the corner of his right eye.

Eggington answered with solid hits of his own when the chance arose but Smith shook them off with ease and kept the heat on, finally forcing the stoppage in the fifth with another volley of shots.