The Briton was down on the scorecards despite a valiant effort but headed straight for backstage medical attention once the severity of the ailment became apparent.
As Vargas charged in with his head during the ninth round of ten, the force almost ripped off smith’s ear. It left him flailing as referee Russell Mora looked on in shock.
The fight was immediately halted as ‘Swifty’ lost for the fourth time in his career when the contest went to the scorecards.
Stephen Smith heading straight to hospital to have his ear stitched – we’ll update ASAP @SkySportsBoxing @HBOboxing @EddieHearn
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 10, 2017
With Vargas left alone in the ring, the announcer read out 89-82, 88-83, 88-83 to declare the former world champion the victor.
STEPHEN SMITH WARRIOR
Amazingly, Smith wanted to carry on fighting before Mora rightly intervened.
He certainly is a warrior.
