• Stephen Smith challenged IBF super-featherweight champion Jose Pedraza
  • The 30-year-old, making his debut in the US, is one of four boxing brothers
  • But title bid ended in disappointment after he was beaten in Connecticut
  • Smith hit the canvas in the seventh, which proved to be decisive moment

Pa Reporter

Stephen Smith fell short in his attempt to join brother Liam as a world champion, losing a unanimous points decision to IBF super-featherweight champion Jose Pedraza in Connecticut.

The 30-year-old Liverpudlian suffered a second defeat of his professional career, with the three judges scoring the bout 117-110, 116-111, 116-111 in favour of the undefeated Puerto Rican.

Liam Smith is the WBO light-middleweight champion and was in the United States to support his brother in a bout that got away from the British fighter when he was knocked down in the ninth.

Stephen Smith was beaten by IBF super-featherweight champion Jose Pedraza on points in Connecticut

Stephen Smith was beaten by IBF super-featherweight champion Jose Pedraza on points in Connecticut

The Liverpool boxer was unable to overcome the undefeated Puerto Rican in a well-contested fight in the US

The Liverpool boxer was unable to overcome the undefeated Puerto Rican in a well-contested fight in the US

Pedraza started strongly in his second title defence, landing two big rights in the second round and keeping Smith at range with his jab.

Smith grew into the fight in the fourth, during which Pedraza hit the deck albeit after a shove from the Brit.

The fight appeared finely poised as they headed into the ninth but Pedraza ended it in control after knocking Smith down with a right hand.

Smith kept coming in the closing rounds but Pedraza’s defence stayed strong and he won on all three scorecards to extend his record to two.

Pedraza, 26, started strongly in his second title defence, landing two big rights in the second round 

Pedraza, 26, started strongly in his second title defence, landing two big rights in the second round 

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