Liam Smith is preparing for one of the biggest nights of his career as he gets ready to face Chris Eubank Jnr in Manchester in January.
The event takes place on Saturday, 21st January at the AO Arena and will see the Liverpool born fighter taking on Eubank Jr, with the latter returning to the ring following the cancellation of his fight against Conor Benn back in October.
The middleweight clash will be part of the Boxxer: Unleashed event, which is in association with Wasserman Boxing. The pair both have an illustrious career behind them and each could be eyeing a world title belt as they reach the latter stages of their respective careers.
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Smith, 34, famously fought Saul Alvarez in 2016, losing his WBO light-middleweight title in the process but has now won his last three fights. His last win was against Hassan Mwakinyo at the Echo Arena back in September.
Fellow former world champion Eubank will be an altogether different opponent, however, and Smith will hope to bring his best in front of what could be a mixed reception at the Mancunian venue.
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 Scouse fighter. 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.
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