British super-middleweight Paul Smith failed in his bid to dethrone Arthur Abraham of his WBO title in Berlin tonight.

The Liverpudlian had suffered a contentious points loss in their first bout last September, but there was no controversy in the rematch as Abraham won by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111.

Smith started at a fast pace in an attempt to stamp his authority on his vastly-experienced opponent, but Abraham was displaying a sharpness that was not present in the first fight and was ahead after four rounds.

Abraham looked explosive in rounds five and six but Smith landed a number of digs to the body, with one appearing to stop the 35-year-old in his sails.

However, after an all-action seventh, Abraham started to take control, regularly peppering Smith with powerful combinations that often ended with a right hand landing on its target.

Smith battled on valiantly, perhaps taking a quiet 11th, but Abraham was fully deserving of his win as he executed his game plan to perfection.