It is strangely appropriate that Liam Smith's only two professional defeats have been at the hands of Mexicans.

Because the born and bred Scouser boxed "like a true Mexican" in a stirring but ultimately unsuccessful challenge for his old WBO light-middleweight title in the early hours of Sunday morning in Las Vegas.

The monstrously powerful Jaime Munguia took a 116-111, 119-110 and 119-108 points decision to extend his flawless ledger to 30-0.

But Smith simply refused to bend and become another statistic on the Mexican's list of 25 stoppage victims.

Munguia had bragged of wanting to better Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez's ninth round stoppage of Smith - the Scouser's only career defeat.

But despite a sixth round knockdown from a left hook to the temple that Smith never saw coming, Beefy's astonishing heart and desire meant he deserved to hear the final bell.

Referee Russell Mora gives a count to Liam Smith in the sixth round.
Referee Russell Mora gives a count to Liam Smith in the sixth round.

The super-welterweight was challenging the 21-year-old for the WBO version of the crown at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

"I was always looking for the knockout, but he's a tough opponent," said the 21-year-old champion of Smith,. "We went to the decision, no problem, it is a learning experience."

Smith will now have to rebuild before attempting a third crack at the world title, with the other belts in the division held by Jermell Charlo and Jarrett Hurd.

WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia takes a right hand from Liam Smith.
WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia takes a right hand from Liam Smith.

Hurd holds the WBA and IBF belts, while Charlo has the WBC crown.

"I don't think he's a much better fighter than me," said Smith of Munguia after the fight.

"It was the body shots that hurt me. I wanted the title I lost two years ago.”

Jaime Munguia lands a brutal left hand against Liam Smith
Jaime Munguia lands a brutal left hand against Liam Smith

Though valiant in defeat, Smith slipped to 26-2-1 overall with 14 early after disappointment against the man who stepped in for him against Sadam Ali back in May.

Smith had been set to face the 2008 Olympian for the title at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, before suffering a virus. That meant that Munguia was drafted in and he destroyed Ali, dropping him four times before getting the stoppage inside four rounds.

But now, ahead of another assault on the top level of the 154-pound division, Smith is targeting fights to keep the momentum going.

“I want to stay more active than before,” he said. “I'm usually known for my fitness, but was I winded in this fight. I felt my skill level made the difference in certain parts.”