Liam Smith Gets his Fight with Chris Eubank Jr in 2023!
Former WBO junior middleweight champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (32-3-1, 18KO) is riding high after finally landing a fight with middleweight contender “Next Gen” Chris Eubank Jr (32-2, 23KO).
For months, Beefy has been pursuing a fight with Eubank Jr. He has openly admitted that since signing with Sky Sports, it is the fight he wants the most. Smith is ranked #2 WBO, #3 WBC, #4 WBA, and #6 IBF in the junior middleweight division. He is right there for a title shot with undisputed champion Jermell Charlo.
Eubank Jr is ranked high as a middleweight (#2 WBC, #2 WBO,#6 WBA). He is coming off a whirlwind of a failed fight attempt with Conor Benn. Next Gen was all set to go when news of Benn testing positive for a banned substance Clomiphene postponed the fight.
WHO IS TAKING THE BIGGER RISK?
Smith was ready to swoop in and take the fight with Eubank Jr, declaring they could fight in December. However, he has taken to social media to reveal they will fight in 2023.
At the age of 34 years old, Smith can’t afford to take a loss at this point in his career. Moreover, he could be jeopardizing his rankings at junior middleweight. He is viewed as the underdog despite coming off three knockout victories in a row over former WBO welterweight champion Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler, and Hassan Mwakinyo.
Eubank Jr is also risking a lot. Smith is, by far, his toughest opponent since former champion Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves. Next Gen would be knocked down quite a few pegs on the championship ladder following a defeat.
Fans can expect both fighters to take things very seriously. Unlike the Benn fight, it is highly doubtful Eubank Jr will be talking about fighting Smith at only 60%.
By: Garrisson Bland
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