Chris Eubank Jr is not Liam Smith’s cup of tea, as the man himself puts it – and that’s never been clearer than when they’re in a room together.
It’s a good thing for fans, who will see the pair face off in a middleweight contest early next year. Even better still is that, behind the apparent dislike, there is genuine talent that presents what many are calling a pick ’em fight.
Eubank Jr has been out of the ring since a victory over Liam Williams in February of this year – although not for the want of trying. His scheduled bout with Conor Benn was pulled at the last minute when the Daily Mail revealed Benn had failed a doping test.
Smith had a busier 2022, kicked off with an impressive stoppage victory over Jesse Vargas. His KO of Hassan Mwakinyo later in the year shook off some ring rust but did little else.
Both are now looking to mix it at world level, and this week they came face-to-face to officially announce the event. It was then that Smith made his feelings known during a Eubank monologue.
“I never said I was a superstar. I’m just a guy. I’m just a guy in a KFC jacket tryna make a living. Okay? Calm down over there.”
Smith’s response? ‘Such a tit.’
Greatest press conference line ever? 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/mj2QHjum4g
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 29, 2022
The clip perhaps highlights the clash of personalities on display. Whilst both men are from fighting families, the Smiths from Liverpool are no nonsense and no frills.
The Eubanks – Brighton-based – do have frills. Born from Chris Eubank Sr, the attention-capturing style of the family is showmanship at its very peak.
Their fight goes down at Manchester’s AO Arena on January 21 next year, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office at the price of £19.95.