Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith has had his say on the catchweight clash everybody’s talking about – and he believes that Chris Eubank Jr is ‘crazy’ for calling for the fight.
Eubank Jr will meet Conor Benn inside the ropes on October 8 to reignite the rivalry that their fathers shared decades ago. A lot has been made of the catchweight of 157lbs and heavy fines should either fighter – most likely Eubank Jr – come in heavy.
Smith, the former WBO Super Welterweight Champion, understands the magnitude of the fight, but is adamant that the weight difference is a big issue. He shared his thoughts with Boxing Social.
“I’m not going to sit and lie to you – Eubank calling a welterweight out is crazy, but I see why obviously, I’m not stupid. I know the game inside out.
Their names, their dad’s names, the rivalry – it makes it very interesting, but if Chris Eubank called Errol Spence out or Terence Crawford you’d think ‘wow, that’s weird.’”
It’s true that the promotion is relying heavily on the history between the pair – spurred on by the announcement that Chris Eubank Sr will be in his son’s corner come fight night. Regardless of his trainer, Smith believes that the fight is Eubank’s to lose.
“Obviously their dad’s names keep it very, very interesting and it’s sold like that so good luck to them both in that sense. I think it’ll be interesting and entertaining, but unless the weight kills Eubank I just think Eubank is too big for him [Conor Benn].”
He went on to predict the numbers on the scale and advised his potential future opponent that one or two pounds could make all the difference.
“What I was told the negotiations are – the fight’s at 157 [lbs], Eubank can come in at 158 or 158.5, pay whatever find he has to pay, but anything over 158.5 the fight’s off. So, I just think money-wise, whatever it is, an extra pound and a half will be worth that money for somebody who’s going to struggle with weight. Take if from me.”
Liam Smith returns to the ring this weekend to face Hassan Mwakinyo, live on Sky Sports.