The build up to the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith pay-per-view fight this weekend had been eventful but respectful, that all changed at the final press conference.
There has been some varied and entertaining trash talk between Eubank and Smith in recent weeks. From insulting hairlines to exposing Instagram messages, but it all seemed to be said in jest.
However, at the final press conference before the fight this weekend, things became personal between the two.
Talking about the recent traded Instagram messages, Eubank said he’s ‘used to seeing girls in his DMs’, to which Smith replied:
“You go on about girls, has anybody in this room ever seen you with a girl? Do you want to tell us something?
You’re 33 you’re going on about having kids, you’ve got to have a woman to have a kid, do you want to tell us something?
Eubank then later hit back with a personal attack of his own against Smith.
“If you want to get dark and personal with it about being gay and do I like girls, I’ve been told by multiple sources that you cheat on your wife on the occasion.”
At that moment, the conversation was cut short and quickly moved on.
Sky Sports, who are the exclusive UK broadcasters for the fight and hosted the press conference, apologised for any “offensive language”, “personal” and “homophobic” remarks. They have since deleted the press conference from their YouTube channel.
For a fight which had already captured the imagine of the public, most fans felt these remarks were unnecessary crossed a line.
Much is at stake this Saturday night for both men. Now entering their mid thirties, it’s hard to see a realistic route back to world title contention for the loser.
The contest is Sky Sports first pay per view offering of 2023, and is available to purchase at £19.95.