By: Sean Crose
There’s quite a bit of a splash across the pond this weekend as Chris Eubank 32-2-0 takes on Liam Smith 32-3-1 in a 12-round middleweight bout. Things got out of hand between the two men during Thursday’s final press conference, which saw the boxers hurl innuendos and insults at each other, as if it was an argument among teenagers who had gone too far. Behavior aside, this makes for a quality fight between two determined veterans who still make their mark on the fighting game. The match will take place at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, UK and will be streamed in the US on the DAZN streaming service.
33-year-old Eubank has achieved an impressive record for himself over the years. In fact, his two losses both came from notable opponents – Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves respectively. Moreover, the man has not lost a match since 2018. Eubank is currently on a 6-match winning streak. The son of former world famous player Chris Eubank Sr last competed almost a year ago, in February 2022, when he defeated Liam Williams by unanimous decision after knocking out his English compatriot. mine 4 times.
Like Eubank, Smith has an impressive resume of his own. Like Eubank, a few of Smith’s losses came from the gloved hands of notable opponents: Magomed Kurbonov, Jaime Munguia, and the sole Canelo Alvarez. Smith was also a world champion boxer, holding the WBO junior middleweight belt – this title was taken from him by Canelo through the knockout in the 9th round. This year 34 years old, Smith is on a 3-fight streak won, most recently against Hassan Mwakinyo, whom he stopped in the fourth round last September. Smith, who goes by the nickname “Beefy” is also the brother of former world player Callum Smith, as well as retired boxers Paul and Stephen.
For Thursday’s press conference, the British Boxing Control Board can participate. In a statement, the organization stated that “The British Boxing Supervisory Board is aware of comments made by Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr during yesterday’s press conference, and that Ban’s managers will directly review behavior of both boxers.” Whether one believes Thursday’s stupid and offensive behavior deserves action by the authorities, it is remarkable that each man has come forward to apologize for his behaviour.
