The rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr will reportedly be postponed due to an injury suffered on Smith’s part in training camp.
Back in January, the pair met in Manchester in a middleweight contest headlining a Sky Sports Box Office event. Smith – the betting underdog – swarmed Eubank in the fourth round and handed him the first stoppage loss of his career.
Eubank had a rematch clause as per the contract, and activated it on February 14. Despite a brief idea that he may instead pursue a fight with Conor Benn, it was recently announced that running it back with Smith was the final decision.
The fight – previously set for June 17 – is now to be postponed as per ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. The exact nature of the injury to the 34-year-old Smith is yet to be confirmed, but the initial report suggests the delay may only be weeks rather than months. Boxing Social has reached out to BOXXER for comment.
Savannah Marshall’s move to super middleweight to challenge undisputed champion, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, as the chief support is expected to follow suit.
It will be a make-or-break moment for Eubank, who had previously dined out on the idea of a granite chin. Should he lose again – particularly in a similar fashion – it’s hard to see how his career progresses and unlikely a world title shot awaits anytime soon.
At 33-years-old, the grudge match with Benn may still be there, but the intrigue won’t remain the same. He’s confident of victory though, believing he has to make just simple adjustments to leave the ring victorious.
Smith, well aware that he can hurt Eubank, will enter the ring the favourite this time around.