CHRIS EUBANK JR versus Liam Smith was an intriguing trade fight for the purists, before they got into a grubby slanging match TOMORROW.
The Sky Sports pay-per-view spilled into the news pages on Thursday when 34-year-old Smith took a dig at Eubank Jr’s surgically enhanced hairline and then asked bizarre and uncomfortable questions about his sexuality.
The 33-year-old son of British ring legend Chris Sr did not take the lurid accusations lying down, and told the packed Manchester press conference that he believes Smith cheats on his wife.
It was unedifying in even the most degenerate of sporting spheres, where we operate and usually thrive off controversy.
But these two fighters are worth more than that. They have both shown integrity and courage, even in defeats, and are both from proud fighting families.
All three of Liam’s brothers, like him, have won British titles and Callum is also a former world champion, as Liam is at super-welter.
Eubank Jr fancies his chances but he knows – win or lose – that the bitter Conor Benn grudge match is just around the corner.
A Smith victory will most likely spark a rematch clause – unless Kell Brook can be coaxed out of retirement for a Sheffield vs Liverpool clash of the veterans.
Once the bell goes, once people stop asking silly questions of two brave gladiators already riled by a punishing weight cut to 11st 7lbs, the action should be thrilling.
Smith insists he can hurt Eubank Jr to the body. The Brighton man claims he has never ever been floored in his life.
Most read in Boxing
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
Eubank Jr sees Smith as a silver-haired stepping stone to Gennady Golovkin or Benn in the summer.
Smith reckons Eubank Jr is overrated because of his father’s name and an easy night’s work.
Both men have proven chins, clever corners and elite engines. It looks destined for the full 12 rounds and a decision from the three British Boxing Board of Control judges.
Let’s hope the scoring is far less controversial than the build-up antics.
When is Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith?
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith will take place on Saturday, January 21 – TOMORROW.
The main event is expected to start at around 10pm UK time.
The AO Arena in Manchester plays host.
What TV channel and live stream is Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on?
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The event will cost £19.95 and the show expected to start from 6pm.
Who is fighting on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard?
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo is a trade fight for real British boxing fans.
Ekow ‘The Engine’ is 18-0 but the understated Nottingham man flies under the radar.
Kongo was undone by tricky southpaw Michael McKinson back in 2021 but has bounced back with two wins and is now 14-1.
Frazer Clarke needs better opposition than the 7-6 bodybag he is going to batter, it’s poor matchmaking and he deserves better, as do paying fans.
Say a prayer for Manchester cruiserweight Jack Massey too, who is making his heavyweight debut against former WBO heavyweight champ Joseph Parker.
The 30-3 Kiwi has genuine knockout power at 18st and is taking on a beanpole whose 20-1 record has been attained at around 14st 4lbs.
And Olympian Frazer Clarke is also on the bill.
- Main event: Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith (middleweight)
- Richard Riakporhe vs Krzysztof Glowacki (cruiserweight)
- Joseph Parker vs Jack Massey (heavyweight)
- Chris Kongo vs Ekow Essuman
Eubank Jr vs Smith prediction
Liam Smith is the smaller man but the more technically gifted. If he can cope with Eubank’s early aggression, he should be able to dominate.
Since linking up with multi-weight legend Roy Jones Jr, Eubank has seemed caught in two contrasting styles.
Read More on The Sun
RJJ insists his star student now has two ways to win; to slug out a victory or to box and move.
But doubters will worry about teaching an old dog new tricks.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
