NEWPORT trained super featherweight Gary Buckland saw his dream of retaining his Lonsdale title disappear last night after a brutal KO defeat to Stephen Smith.

Buckland, 27, was beaten for just the third time in 29 fights by the highly-rated Smith after a brutal short, right uppercut utterly cleaned his clock in round five.

Buckland had arguably been winning a close contest before Smith’s devastating curtain call, Buckland down for several minutes as the electric atmosphere in Cardiff turned to one of concern and fear.

Smith was praying on his hands and knees when he should’ve been celebrating, but Buckland was thankfully helped to his feet and left the ring of his own volition.