Sheffield reflections

In terms of depth, it was one of the best shows of the year, and with a scintillating stoppage victory from the headline act, who could complain?

It was the first time in almost nine months that Smith had heard the bell for the second round, for much of his learning in the pro game has been provided by some high-class sparring at Joe Gallagher's gym. However, such is the belief behind the youngest of four title-winning brothers that he was pitched in with a man 12 years his senior with 40 fights on a colourful CV. Acosta could clearly take a shot, too, although Smith was patience personified as he worked his openings before unloading the heavy artillery. The Argentine was softened up in the fifth round by body shots and with Smith by now smelling blood and a whiff of victory, closed the show with another hurtful left downstairs that rendered the veteran unable to continue. With the WBC international belt now his Smith can look forward to another outing before Christmas en route to bigger fights in 2014. He is surely Britain's hottest talent.

Assured

One of his biggest rivals for that title, Anthony Joshua, was also in action and the Olympic champion looked more assured in his second paid outing against grizzled veteran Paul Butlin, who had been in with many a fringe contender and had twice taken Dereck Chisora the distance. However, Joshua has that one-punch power that every promoter dreams about and it was a heavy straight right hand that split Butlin's skin above the left eye, leaving him vulnerable to more punishment which thankfully was brought to a halt by the intervention of the referee and the fighter's corner. Joshua is back out on November 14 at York Hall and Eddie Hearn will have his work cut out to keep the hype surrounding the North Londoner under control as he makes his inexorable way towards a first title shot. Bantam-cum-super-flyweight Kal Yafai made a welcome return to action and while it was not the former Team GB boxer's best performance since turning over, the likeable Brummie will undoubtedly be sharper following his first outing since surgery on a damaged bicep in April. Spanish foe Santiago Bustos was not without merit and put Yafai under heavy pressure towards the end of their six-rounder, a great learning fight for the 24-year-old who could now contest the vacant English title on the Froch-Groves undercard in less than a month's time.