Johnny Nelson has weighed in with a prediction for the hotly anticipated rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr.
The pair locked horns back in January in one of the biggest all British fights in years, with Smith producing a stunning fourth round knockout at a sold out AO Arena in Manchester.
Speaking to Boxing Social, former cruiserweight champion Nelson revealed he believes it will be repeat rather than revenge, albeit perhaps a bit later in the bout.
“I’m going Smith, but a bit longer than it went the last time.”
It was officially announced today that Smith and Eubank Jr would lock horns in Manchester once again on June 17th, live on Sky Sports Pay Per View.
Like their first meeting, the contest will take place at the middleweight limit of 160lb.
Savannah Marshall will return to the ring after defeat to Claressa Shields in October, and goes straight back in at the deep end against undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezrun as chief support.
Prior to the pair’s first meeting, Eubank Jr had never been so much as knocked down, and a Smith stoppage was regarded as by far the most unlikely outcome by fans, pundits and bookmakers’ alike.
Though ‘Next Gen’ made public his intent to activate the contractual rematch clause, at one stage it looked like he would forego another crack at Smith in order to face Conor Benn in Abu Dhabi, however the recent revelation of Benn’s UKAD suspension put paid to these plans.
At 33 years old, back to back defeats would surely all but spell the end for the polarising Eubank, with the Smith looking towards becoming a two time world champion should he emerge with another victory.