Jamie Moore has weighed in next months pay per view clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith, and is backing Smith to overturn the odds and come out on top on January 21st.
Moore thinks that, although he anticipates Eubank to start well, his pride may see him get dragged into a fight that suits Smith – and get stopped as a result.
In an interview with ID Boxing, Moore said:
“I think Eubank will start fast and probably pick up the early rounds. But, being honest, that’s what a lot of people at the higher level do against Liam Smith, because he allows you to do that.
Tactically Smith is very good. He doesn’t look like it because of the way he fights, but he’s got such a good boxing brain. I’ve got a feeling that, by round three or four, he’ll be really finding his range and getting on the inside to work the body of Eubank.
“I don’t think Eubank’s ego will allow him to just stay on the outside and potshot Liam Smith. So I think, after those first few rounds, it could turn into a real slug fest and I’ve got a feeling Smith will get him out of there after nine or ten rounds.”
Although Eubank is a favourite with the bookmakers, many in the trade believe the fight is close to a 50/50 especially given the home advantage that Smith will enjoy at the M+S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
The fight will take place at ‘Next Gen’s natural home of middleweight, though Smith, now 34, has repeatedly stated he feels the move up from light middle will benefit him at this stage in his career.
There is a one way rematch clause should Smith defeat Eubank, meaning that there’s every chance the pair will run it back should Moore’s prediction prove correct.