With thousands of boxing fans on hand to witness the epic finale, Smith dominated the encounter from the outset and had the stocky Moncrieff against the ropes following a barrage of punches. It was mere formality when the referee stopped the bout after one minute in the eighth round.
It was a clinical display by the Pan Am medallist who led on all three judges scorecards. Smith felt that he executed his fight plan well.“I knew I had to be patient and fight my fight, I knew he couldn’t last the rounds and once I got my opportunity I took it and I am really happy for the win”, said Smith.
It was a totally different scenario for the loser Moncrieffe who felt the referee stopped the fight too early.“The referee should have given me a standing eight count, he shouldn’t have stopped the fight like that, I know I was in trouble but I believe I could have came back and won the fight.”
For his efforts, Smith walked away with the main prize of JA$1 million while Moncrieffe took home $500,000 . Both prizes were presented by Dominic Beckford, Brand Sales Manager, J.Wray & Nephew. William Tavares Finson, President of the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control, praised what he thought was an excellent finale, “tonight proved to us that boxing is not dead in Jamaica, and we witnessed the birth of a true champion and we at the boxing board can will build on what is a remarkable product. (The Wray & Nephew Contender)”
Sakima Mullings who lost to Smith in the semi-final was presented with the third prize of $250,000, while Tsetsi Davis took home the fourth place prize worth $200,000. The night’s grand finale match-up was followed by exceptional performances from dancehall heavyweights I-Octane, Vybz Kartel and Mavado.