Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr are gearing up to face each other once again in a middleweight rematch. Set to take place at Manchester’s iconic AO Arena on Saturday, September 2. This showdown would continue from where the two titans stopped earlier this year.
Originally, the rematch was initially slated for July 1, but fate had other plans when Smith suffered an unfortunate injury during training. However, after a period of diligent recovery, he now feels fully healed and eager to step back into the ring.
“I’m injury-free and looking forward to putting an end to Chris Eubank Jr’s career once and for all,” said Smith, radiating confidence ahead of the high-stakes rematch.
The two first met back in January, and the fight ended in a dramatic fashion as Smith, 34, delivered a stunning blow that halted Eubank Jr, 33, in just four intense rounds. The bitter build-up to that encounter only fueled the excitement and animosity between the two fighters.
Smith, a former WBO light-middleweight champion, boasts an impressive track record with 33 victories, along with three defeats and one draw. On the other side of the ring, Eubank Jr, invoking the rematch clause, has secured 32 victories and experienced three losses.
While speculation about Eubank Jr potentially facing Conor Benn was circulating, the call for a rematch with Smith proved irresistible. The motivation behind the decision was clear: Eubank Jr sees this rematch as his “day of revenge,” determined to settle the score with his rival once and for all.
“No more postponements, no more excuses. Smith can’t run forever,” vowed Eubank Jr, leaving no room for doubt about his intent to emerge victorious.
Promoter Ben Shalom, founder of Boxxer, described this rivalry as one of the most heated in the history of British boxing. Fans are anticipating an electrifying atmosphere as the fighters step into the ring to settle their differences once and for all.
Recalling the first bout, it was marked by controversy during a tense pre-fight news conference. Smith’s derogatory and homophobic taunts targeted Eubank Jr, leading to a heated exchange that also saw Eubank Jr taking shots at Smith’s birthplace, Liverpool, and his marital status.
The British Boxing Board of Control stepped in, finding both fighters guilty of misconduct and imposing fines for their actions. The repercussions of their volatile behavior only added fuel to the fire, making the upcoming rematch all the more intense.
As the date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting this thrilling encounter. The stakes are high, and both fighters are determined to prove their dominance in the ring. The AO Arena will undoubtedly be charged with excitement and anticipation, making it a night that British boxing enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
Leon Osamor
