Ben Whittaker vs Braian Suarez results live from Liverpool

Ben Whittaker stopped Braian Nahuel Suarez in the first round of their Liverpool main event

Ben Whittaker scored a stunning first-round knockout over veteran Braian Nahuel Suarez in their catchweight/light heavyweight bout, ending matters with a crushing overhand right in Liverpool, England. Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) started sharply in front of a loud crowd, dropped Suarez (21-5, 20 KOs) heavily, and left him unable to continue as the fight ended inside the opening round.

He celebrated emphatically afterward with the fans, capping an explosive finish that sent the arena into a frenzy. The fight was stopped by referee Steve Gray at 2:24 of round 1.

Molly McCann (4-1) won an entertaining eight-round super bantamweight fight over Ashleigh Johnson (3-4) by unanimous decision, taking a 78-74 score.

Joe McGrail (13-0, 6 KOs) stayed unbeaten with a fifth-round TKO over Aaron Hayden (10-1, 2 KOs) in their super bantamweight fight, with referee Mark Lyson stopping it at 2:22 of round five. McGrail controlled the bout from the start, using superior speed, accuracy, and steady pressure to win every round before the stoppage. Hayden was cut over the right eye and steadily worn down as McGrail repeatedly targeted the body. The finish came after Hayden was dropped by a body shot and could not beat the count.

Heavyweight Leo Atang (6-0, 5 KOs) went the full six rounds for the first time, beating Viktar Chvarkou (6-33, 3 KOs) on points by a 59-54 score from referee Steve Gray. Atang controlled the fight from the start with a sharp jab, clean right hands, and steady pressure that repeatedly forced the veteran onto the ropes.

A one-point deduction in round four for use of the head did little to change the direction of the contest, as Atang continued to land the cleaner and heavier punches. Chvarkou showed toughness to survive late pressure and reach the final bell, giving the prospect useful rounds despite being outboxed throughout.

Middleweight Stephen Clarke (10-0, 2 KOs) stayed unbeaten with an eight-round points win over veteran Luis Enrique Montelongo Morales (18-17, 4 KOs) by a 78-73 score. Clarke used sharper boxing, better movement, and a steady work rate to control most of the action against the experienced Mexican. Montelongo had competitive moments and made Clarke earn it, but the younger man’s cleaner work carried him over the distance.

Jack Power (8-0, 2 KOs) passed a strong test in the middleweight division, stopping Novak Radulović (21-16-1, 8 KOs) by sixth-round TKO at 1:37 of the final round. Radulović made it competitive throughout and gave Power hard rounds, but the unbeaten prospect gradually took control as the fight wore on. Power hurt him with a right uppercut midway through round six, then forced him back to the ropes with follow-up shots until referee Steve Gray stepped in.

Tom Rafferty (17-0, 7 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact with a third-round TKO over Pablo Sosa (12-11-3, 3 KOs) when referee Steve Gray waved it off at 3:00 of round three following a corner retirement in a super middleweight bout. Rafferty controlled the fight from the start, using sharper punching, steady pressure, and stronger ring command to wear down the experienced Sosa. Heated scenes at the weigh-in never carried into a close contest, as Rafferty quickly took over and forced the stoppage.

Super featherweight Sam Norris (3-0) opened the card with a clear four-round unanimous decision over Jahfieus Faure (4-25-3), taking all four rounds on the 40-36 scorecard.