Conor Benn has weighed in with a prediction for next month’s rematch between Liam Smith Chris Eubank Jr.
In an example of the butterfly effect in boxing, the cancellation of Benn’s clash with Eubank last October due to two failed VADA test led to ‘Next Gen’ taking on Smith back in January, a fight he lost via a brutal fourth round stoppage.
And in a recent interview with IFL TV, ‘The Destroyer’ believes it will be repeat rather than revenge for his nemesis when Smith and Eubank lock horns again at the Manchester Arena on September 2nd.
“I can’t see him [Eubank Jr] getting past Smith.
I’d love for him to get past Smith, but I can’t see it. Especially with the trainer change so late in the camp.”
“I just can’t see it.”
Eubank has changed trainer from Roy Jones Jr to Terence Crawford’s head coach, Brian McIntyre, but Benn clearly believes the late change will work in Smith’s favour.
Smith’s early destruction of Eubank was one of the most memorable nights of boxing in the UK this calendar year, as he handed the braggadocious Brighton man the first stoppage loss of his 35 fight professional career
Though at one stage it looked like Jr would be revisiting a date with family rival Benn instead of rematching Smith, those plans never materialised and he will now look to try and exorcise his demons against Liverpudlian favourite ‘Beefy’ at the same Arena where it all went pear shaped for him at the beginning of the year
Smith has raised the stakes for both men, claiming that the loser in just over two week’s time will be staring retirement in the face.