The 27-year-old Smith dropped Skoglund to one knee in the 10th round and claimed a 116-112, 117-110, 117-111 victory on the judges’ cards.
The previously unbeaten Skoglund had threatened to cause an upset in the early stages of contest as he peppered Smith with a succession of jabs.
But the Liverpudlian refused to panic and clawed his way back into the contest before his big left hook in the 10th round belatedly underlined his superiority.
His victory means Smith will next face the winner of the bout between Jurgen Braehmer and Rob Brant, who are due to fight at the end of next month.
More to follow.