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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Barry McGuigan

Chris Eubank Jr can secure calling card to world champions with Liam Williams win

Chris Eubank Jnr is one of the biggest names in British boxing and his showdown with Liam Williams is a calling card to the recognised middleweight world champions.

It would be a shame if Eubank were to finish his career without a genuine world title. He needs to be thinking about WBC champion Jermall Charlo, WBO champ Demetrius Andrade, IBF king Gennady Golovkin or even Saul Canelo Alvarez.

So a big night in Cardiff against Williams is the key to him following his father Chris to the top of the tree.

Williams is a really good, attacking fighter. His problem is Eubank Jnr loves that. He likes opponents he does not have to go looking for.

CARDIFF, WALES - FEBRUARY 02: Chris Eubank Jr. of England poses for a photograph after the BOXXER Media Work Out with his ahead of his forthcoming fight with Liam Williams of Wales, at the Capitol Shopping Centre on February 02, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. The bout takes place on Saturday 5 February 2022 at Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images) (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

Williams is a tough kid who has come up from light middle. He thrives by taking it to you. He is not a stand-off boxer.

When Eubank Jnr fought George Groves for the WBA super middleweight title, he was totally frustrated. Groves knew to stand off him and to beat him to the punch whenever he stepped forward.

Eubank Snr was just the same, brilliant when the opponent came to him. Nigel Benn walked into him. Michael Watson walked into him on that tragic night at White Hart Lane.

Eubank Jnr has his father’s granite chin, a really good right hand and an above average left hook with stamina to burn.

Who do you think will win Saturday's fight? Eubank Jnr or Williams? Comment here

Eubank Jnr’s weakness is his inability to fight aggressively. I’m not sure his link-up with counter puncher extraordinaire Roy Jones Jnr will give him the forward gears he needs.

The aggression has to be intelligent and subtle. Eubank’s skills are in defence. He is hard to hit. But to have a chance against the big boys he has be better on the front foot.

That is his ultimate challenge but not against Williams. I think we will see and exciting fight. But I’m not sure Williams has the package to win.

Just as Williams discovered against Andrade last April the extra bit the good guys bring will be too much for him.

CARDIFF, WALES - FEBRUARY 03: Chris Eubank Jr. (L) faces off with Liam Williams during a press conference held at Cardiff City Hall to promote the forth coming BOXXER fight night, on February 03, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images) (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

Andrade stood off, subdued him then out boxed him. Every time Williams came forward Andrade arrested him with that southpaw right hook and his powerful back hand.

You have to be brave to get beyond the counter puncher’s jab. Williams is a brave as they come. His only losses before Andrade were the back-to-back defeats to Liam Smith.

Williams has the home crowd behind him in Cardiff but I think Eubank stops him late or wins by a wide points margin.

  • Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym
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