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Fowler (left), had been knocked to the ground once in his professional career prior to Saturday
Anthony Fowler was defeated by Liam Smith in a dominant display to win Saturday's 'Battle of Liverpool'. An eighth-round knockout followed.
Smith, the former WBO lightweight champion, dominated the bout despite suffering an injury above his right eye during the first round.
Fowler was knocked to the floor in the fifth round, before he won the fight in the eighth with a left hook.
Smith stated, "It was an amazing fight."
"I think I started slowly, but we did a great job from the beginning to the end. "I said that I was the one who had bigger punches."
Both from Liverpool, the pair faced off at M&S Arena to compete for the WBA international super-welterweight title.
Smith, 33 years old, said that he thought the first knockdown was over after the fifth. I let him off the hook a little.
"This was not an easy win."
Fowler, 30 said that he thought he made a good beginning. He is a class act. I'm humble in defeat. The stronger man won."
Fowler began on the front foot, and Smith was cut above the left eye in the first round. Smith had received a strong right-hand from his opponent.
Smith started to succeed in the fourth round. He was working the body and wobbling Fowler, with a late flurry.
Smith was unable to capitalize after he knocked Fowler to the floor in the fifth round. Fowler was able, through the sixth- and seventh rounds, to get back in the fight but was eventually knocked out by Smith in the eighth.
David Price, a former boxer, said that it was a great fight. It was a clash between styles, but it was an amazing finish.
"He [Smith] was a great player. Although he was making big shots at the beginning, he has world-class toughness. He also showed his clinical finishing tonight."
Williamson wins dramatic British title
Williamson (left), won his 18th professional bout.
Troy Williamson won the British super-welterweight title earlier with a stunning 10th-round knockout of Ted Cheeseman.
The undefeated 30-year old had to endure the punishment of Cheeseman dominating periods of the bout but producing a brutal flurry to floor the 26 year-old champion.
Cheeseman received medical attention for the ring and was taken to the hospital for further checks.
It was close to the end, but Cheeseman won in eight rounds. Williamson responded in a strong ninth round, ending the fight in emphatic fashion in 10th.
Williamson stated, "It was very difficult fight." We knew how difficult it would be. Tonight, I demonstrated to everyone how hard I am. "I've learned the hard way and everyone now knows what Troy Williamson is all about."
Mitchell claims vacant WBA title
Courtney and Mitchell now plan to fight for a rematch
American Jamie Mitchell defeated Shannon Courtenay in a 10-round bout to win the WBA bantamweight title.
Courtenay (28), gave up the title because she was too heavy for Friday's bout. However, a WBA ruling meant that Mitchell would win and claim the belt.
The Briton won the world title only in April's last bout, beating Ebanie Bridges by points.
Judges ruled in favor of Mitchell with scores of 95-95, 95-95, 97-93, 96-94.
Mitchell said, "I told you guys that I was going to come out and get my belt and I did exactly as I said I would do."
"This belt changes my life but it doesn't make you."
