Stephen Smith won a Commonwealth Games gold medal as an amateur

Unbeaten Aintree featherweight Stephen Smith believes he has surprised a few people with the power he has displayed since turning professional in June.

Smith, 23, has won his first three fights inside the distance, including a second round stoppage of Robin Deakin in Liverpool on Friday night.

"I definitely surprised him, he couldn't believe how strong I was," Smith told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I'm sure I'll be too strong for most featherweights, I'm that confident."

Smith made it three wins from three in the professional ranks on the under card of Nathan Cleverly's light-heavyweight Commonwealth Title fight against Tony Oakey.

People were saying 'It's live on television - aren't you nervous?' Stephen Smith

Smith, who was fighting in his home city for the first time as a professional, says he felt no extra pressure to perform in front of the live television cameras.

"People were saying 'It's live on television - aren't you nervous?'

"I would be as disappointed if it was just me and Robin boxing in front of no one else but the judges and I didn't box well as if I didn't box well on TV," said Smith.

Liverpool had three other boxers in action on the card and all three were victorious.

Smith's younger brother Liam made a winning start to life as a professional with a points victory in his welterweight clash against Duncan Cottier.

Joe Selkirk eased to a points victory in his light-middleweight clash with Ernie Smith, despite suffering a suspected break to his right hand in the first round of their four round contest.

Light-heavyweight Tony Bellew outpointed Jevgenijs Andrejevs over four rounds.