Lenin Castillo had to be stretchered out of the ring and was taken to hospital after suffering a dramatic knockout defeat to Callum Smith at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Dominican Republic fighter required treatment following a heavy knockdown, which prompted the referee to swiftly wave off the bout in the second round.

Smith watched on with concern as medical staff attended to Castillo, who was conscious and talking after being taken from the ring on a stretcher.

Following the bout, promoter Eddie Hearn wrote on Twitter: “A horrible brutal knockout. Castillo is responsive and on his way to hospital.”

After a points defeat by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in December, Smith had decided to move up in weight, and he was making his light-heavyweight debut in north London.

The Liverpudlian had landed a big right hook in the opening round, quickly forcing Castillo onto the back foot.

Smith then brought a sudden ending to the bout as a right hand dropped Castillo heavily by the ropes.

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