LIAM SMITH says he could have loads of choices to discover ought to his battle towards Chris Eubank Jr not go forward.
The two British middleweights fought on January 21 with Smith strolling by way of his rival and stopping him in 4 rounds on the AO Arena, Manchester. It was a shocking end result that only a few predicted. Despite the character of the result Eubank Jr selected to take up his rematch clause and face ‘Beefy’ as soon as once more.
There has, nevertheless, been a continuing elephant within the room. Welterweight Conor Benn had been scheduled to battle Eubank Jr in a 157lbs catchweight contest on October 8, 2022, on the O2 Arena, London. A number of days prior it was revealed that Benn had failed a medicine check for the banned substance clomifine ensuing within the battle being known as off. In April this yr the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) confirmed they charged and provisionally suspended Benn for two doping violations which occurred in July after which September final yr.
Since then, speak of the 2 combating each other has by no means actually gone away regardless of Benn nonetheless needing approval to field within the UK by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Nine months on and a rivalry born out of surnames lingers on. Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom CEO Frank Smith stay very assured that the battle will happen this yr with September 23 on the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi being focused.
The Smith-Eubank Jr rematch has already fallen by way of on two events for June 17 after which July 1 which had been to be staged on the similar venue as their first battle. Both occasions Smith withdrew as a result of an ongoing harm.
The battle’s promoter Ben Shalom instructed Sky Sports News yesterday that he nonetheless believes the rematch will occur with dates on the finish of August and early September being checked out.
Today, Smith spoke to Boxing News about whether or not or not he might be combating Eubank Jr subsequent.
“I’m looking for a date in September, hopefully I’m ready in September. Hopefully he sticks and fight me rather than Conor Benn. I said from day dot he wants to fight Conor Benn. It’s the easier fight for more money. I wouldn’t be surprised at all. If there’s a way, he can fight Conor with no restrictions and no backlash off any [Boxing] Board he’ll fight Conor Benn.”
The 34-year-old Liverpudlian wouldn’t be in need of potential opponents ought to Eubank Jr transfer on. Smith presently holds prime 5 positions in three of the 4 sanctioning our bodies prime 10 rankings between super-welterweight and middleweight.
“I’ve got enough options,” he stated. “I’m in a good position. I can fight anyone. [Kell] Brook. Anybody.”
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