 PAUL SMITH brushed aside the first cut of his professional career to remain undefeated at the Manchester Evening News Arena on Saturday night. Despite a late change of opponent as Howard Clarke stepped in to replace Dean Powell, Smith stayed focussed after a nasty clash of heads in the second round opened his left eyebrow up, requiring four stitches afterwards. Derry Mathews and Mark Moran also maintained their unblemished records on a top quality card which included Michael Gomez's third round WBU super-featherweight stoppage of Ghanaian Ben Odamattey, an all American 10-stone IBF interim tear-up that saw world number two Sharmba Mitchell beat Mike Stewart, and Ricky Hatton's twelfth successful WBU light-welter defence against Denmark's Dennis Pedersen. However, there was disappointment for Tony Quigley ahead of his proposed second outing in the paid ranks. Following his first round debut destruction of Dave Pearson in Widnes six weeks ago, middleweight Quigley was eager to show more of himself this time out. And so it proved, but not quite as he intended, as the Towerhill boxer hit the scales overweight prompting his scheduled opponent William Webster to withdraw. It was a late night for the Liverpool trio who were forced to the back of the 11-bout televised card. But as those at ringside concealed their yawns, Smith's performance alone was worth staying up for. Following an under-par performance against Davey Jones last time out, the Kirkdale light-middleweight was determined to step it up here and stayed true to his word as he went over old ground against the opponent he had previously admitted has given him his sternest test to date. Smith made a winning debut against London campaigner Clarke last May and, despite being 15-years his junior, once again proved that experience is not everything by staying on the move to score well throughout, taking every round 40-36. Compared to his win over Jones, Smith's footwork and timing was much improved as he unloaded well off his jab between head and body forcing Clarke to cover up. Some great work by cuts man Mick McAllister stemmed the blood from Smith's eye and the former amateur star got back in the groove to move to 8-0. Top bantamweight prospect, Derry Mathews also renewed old acquaintances against Cardiff's Henry Janes. | 
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