Chris Eubank Jr will be hoping to put memories of the ill-fated Conor Benn fight behind him as he enters the ring against Liam Smith in Manchester early next year.
The event, which is part of the Boxxer: Unleashed series in partnership with Wasserman Boxing, sees two of the most experienced and storied careers in British boxing collide in what should be an exciting fight.
Both are nearing the latter stages of their careers and will be hoping that they can produce the levels which saw both hold the status of world champion previously in their respective careers.
ALSO READ: When is Tyson Fury vs Derek Chisora? Date, time, tickets and TV channel
Smith once held the WBO light-middleweight title, before losing his title to Canelo Alvarez in 2016. Eubank Jnr, meanwhile, has won multiple world titles across two weight divisions and is rated as one of the top middleweights in the world.
The event will be fronted by Boxxer, with CEO Ben Shalom having grown up in Manchester. It will be a huge night for the 27-year-old to see one of the biggest names on his roster, Eubank Jnr taking on Smith in the North West.
Eubank Jnr is joined by stars such as Josh Taylor, Savannah Marshall and Richard Riakporhe as stars on the Boxxer roster. The fights will be shown exclusively by Sky Sports as part of an exciting new partnership.
Ahead of the fight, Shalom said that it will be a chance for both fighters to prove that they on a world level. “It’s a fight that many boxing fans thought they would never see. It is one of the biggest domestic fights to make,” said Shalom.
“In Chris Eubank Jr, you have probably the biggest name outside of the heavyweight division. He’s stepping up. But every time he has stepped up to that level, it hasn’t always gone to plan for him.
“Liam Smith is a former world champion and a serious operator. Liam is one of the most underrated fighters in the casual world. Everyone in boxing knows how good Liam Smith is and that is why they are tipping him as the favourite to win this fight.
“It really is a true 50/50 and an opportunity for Chris Eubank Jr to prove for a third time that he is at that world level." Eubank Jr is in the latter stages of an illustrious career and will be hoping that he can regain his status as one of the most feared names in the middleweight division.
“I think if he [Eubank Jr] underestimates Liam Smith, then he is in trouble. Liam is a better fighter than when he fought Canelo (in 2016). Chris Eubank Jr is facing the very best Liam Smith – and an active Liam Smith." Shalom added.
“Chris Eubank Jr will start fast. But if Liam Smith can get through those early rounds, it really is anyone’s game. It’s a total clash of styles and a total clash of experience. It really is a special fight and a fight with high stakes. The winner goes on to fight for a world title.
“If Eubank Jr can beat Liam Smith, then people have to accept that he truly is at world level. But it is a big ‘if’ because Liam Smith is that good."
'I can win at 50%' says Eubank
Speaking at the press conference on Tuesday, Eubank Jr told Smith that he would be an easier opponent than Conor Benn, saying that he would be less unpredictable: "Conor was an unknown, unpredictable, young and undefeated," he said. "I know what Liam is."
"I think 50% of what I can do will be enough to beat Liam," he added. "The bad guy is back. He never cheats, he never lies, he never cuts any corners but he's still the bad guy."
However, Smith has an illustrious career behind him and noted that Eubank would regret such statements and that turning up undercooked would result in a comfortable win for the Liverpudlian. He hit back, saying: “If he turns up at 50%, I'll wipe the floor with him."
Eubank Jnr has brought in Roy Jones Jr for the fight, a move he had not made for the fight against Benn before it was called off by the British Boxing Board of Control due to a failed drugs test by Benn.
This is a move which has been pointed out by Smith as a sign that he is fully invested in a strong display and not one at ‘50%’. Smith added: “What are you paying Roy Jones for, then?” Smith questioned Eubank. “You didn’t have him for Conor...You come in at 50%, please do.”
The fight takes place at the AO Arena on Saturday, January 21st, you can buy tickets here.
READ NEXT:
