With their fight at Manchester Arena looming large and the build up almost over, it’s safe to say a touch of animosity has marinated between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith.
And Eubank threw some extra spice into proceedings in a recent interview with Sky Sports, claiming he had been on the receiving end of some less than complimentary Instagram messages from ‘Beefy.’
“I’m in his head, he even slid in my DMs a few days ago messaging me on Instagram. So I know I’ve rattled him and I’m just looking forward to finishing off the job on the 21st.”
“I actually can’t repeat a lot of the language that he used in those DMs but he is not a happy bunny, let’s just put it that way.”
“I think that his frustration and anger is going play into how the fight’s going to unfold, and it’s not going to play to his advantage.”
“I sent him back a couple of little zingers – you’ve got to! Who knows? Maybe on fight week I’ll screenshot it and post it.”
There has been a wide variety of trash talk deployed by both men ahead of their January 21st clash, such as Eubank claiming he’ll only need to be at 50% to get the better of Smith, and the Liverpudlian mocking ‘Next Gen’s hairline on social media.
Both men will be well aware that the talking will soon reach its end, as they gear to lock horns in one of the most enticing all British contests in recent years.
A rematch clause is in place should Eubank taste defeat, however the same provision has not been granted to Smith, who will only get one crack at toppling his hubristic opponent.
Sky Sports have announced a solid undercard for the event, which will feature both Joseph Parker and Richard Riakporhe.