Liam Smith sensationally stopped Chris Eubank Jr in the fourth round of their recent middleweight contest, marking the first time that the Brighton fighter has been stopped in his 35 fight career.
Despite drawing immense praise from boxing fans for upsetting the odds set against him, Smith has been accused of using an elbow to inflict the damage on his opponent.
The theory has been backed by Eubank’s coach, Roy Jones Jr.
Sky Sports say that Kalle Sauerland on behalf of Wasserman Boxing and Chris Eubank Jr are ‘looking at’ an appeal to the British Boxing Board of Control.
BREAKING! | Chris Eubank Jr's promotional team are considering an appeal to the British Boxing Board of Control over an alleged elbow from Liam Smith in his stoppage win. 🚨🗞️ pic.twitter.com/Xr61vTlics
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 26, 2023
The elbow theory has been doing the rounds on social media, with differing opinions on just how much of a part it had to play in the knockout and, indeed, if it was an unavoidable accident or intentional.
Smith hasn’t commented on the accusation directly, however recently told the DAZN Boxing Show that it was a combination of uppercuts and hooks that sent Eubank to the canvas. With this recent report, it’s likely that he and his team will release a more direct statement on the matter soon.
It’s assumed but not confirmed that any appeal would look at getting the result made void and changed to a ‘no contest’.
Talk has turned immediately to the rematch, which is Eubank’s right to call as per the contract. Whilst it’s not been made official yet, it’s strongly assumed that the fighter from Brighton will indeed activate this clause, and Anfield is being considered as a potential host with Smith not being the undeniable A-side.