Conor Benn and Liam Smith have traded jabs online, discussing relevancy and skill and planting the seed for a fight in the future.
The pair have been involved in a battle to face Chris Eubank Jr – Benn because he was scheduled to last year and it would be a big fight to return to following a doping scandal that’s still ongoing, Smith since he is contractually obligated to after beating him in January.
It’s the rematch that will be going ahead, but discussions between the domestic trio have naturally led to a link with Smith and Benn, too.
Smith – as with some fans – wondered aloud why Benn hadn’t called him out after he beat Eubank. Benn responded by saying there were ‘bigger fights’ out there for him, but that he would jump up from 147lb to 160lb to accept the challenge regardless.
Smith wasn’t buying it.
“Bigger fights? I’ve just nailed your biggest fight. And [you’re] forgetting. I’m a 154. Yeah, and neither do I [ever shy away], as my whole career as shown. So shove these stories up your ass, you wanna fight, let’s talk.”
Benn then brought relevancy into the debate, clearly believing himself to be on another level in terms of pulling power.
“That’s the only reason you’re relevant. Focus on winning your fight rather than mentioning my name and losing or you’ll become irrelevant AGAIN.”
Smith, perhaps inevitably, pointed out why Benn had been making the headlines for the past six months. He also questioned Benn’s skill.
“You forgetting getting dropped and wobbled everywhere by [journeymen]? Let’s not go there cos we all know the ONLY reason you’re relevant, soft lad.”
Smith runs it back with Eubank on June 17 in Manchester. Benn is currently working with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, to book a ring return overseas as he is currently provisionally suspended by the British board.