Chris Eubank Jr has officially activated his rematch clause to face Liam Smith for a second time.
The pair faced off in January in a middleweight contest that lasted all of four rounds – Liverpool’s Smith upsetting the odds by producing a dizzying knockout, the first stoppage loss of Eubank’s career.
It was unclear whether or not Eubank would go ahead with the rematch or pursue others fights, however he confirmed that he intends to today in typical style – including a Valentine’s Day message to Smith.
“This morning I activated the rematch clause via my lawyers and sent to my promoters Wasserman. Happy Valentines Day Liam Smith.”
This morning I activated the rematch clause via my lawyers & sent to my promoters @Wasserman Happy Valentines Day @LiamBeefySmith 😎 pic.twitter.com/PfWNyaTGXL
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) February 14, 2023
The fight was touted by promoter Ben Shalom to land at Anfield – fulfilling a dream of Smith’s and creating a huge domestic spectacle.
Works on one of the stadium’s stands may prevent this, but the promoter has said that they are still pursuing it and are willing to work at a lower capacity to make it happen.
If there were negotiations about who was the A-side beforehand, it’s clear that Smith is this time around. He’ll also almost certainly go into the bout as the bookies favourite given the nature of the stoppage.
Fans will be treated to another spicy build up, and it will be interesting how Eubank will approach it. His trademark confidence bordering on arrogance may not be quite as effective given he’ll be delivering it to the man who stopped him quite devastatingly.
A timeline for the scrap is expected to follow once terms are agreed. For Smith, a chance to write the final chapter of this brief but entertaining domestic rivalry. For Eubank, make or break time.