Liam Smith has spoken out about negotiations for a potential rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, and insists he does not intend to wait for ‘Next Gen’ to make a decision.
Smith delivered a stunning fourth round knockout against Eubank when the pair fought at a sold out Manchester Arena in January, sending the thousands of Liverpudlians in attendance into bedlam.
Even though Eubank has since activated the contractual rematch clause, Smith told ID Boxing the deadline for terms to be finalised is fast approaching and he will soon start to consider other options for his next bout.
“I think possibly the end of May or early June. I don’t really care when, I just want an announcement soon. I’m not sitting being left in the lurch. I want it done soon.”
“There was a timeframe on it and when it had to be done by, and we’re getting very close to that now. If it’s not signed, sealed and delivered in the next couple of days then I’m going to look elsewhere.”
“Everyone has contracts, it needs to be done and it needs to be done very soon.”
Asked if the fight might take place at a lower weight than 160lb, Smith said no ‘because he would get slaughtered for it’ and that he could knock him out at the middleweight limit, as proven, anyway.
An underdog with bookmakers at the time, the victory over Eubank was vital for Smith, with the 34 year old himself admitting retirement could have been on the cards had he tasted defeat.
Though a rematch is still thought to be the most financially lucrative option for ‘Beefy’ at this time, there are believed to be a host of other alternatives still on the table should he look in a different direction.
WBO world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was ordered to defend his title against Smith last month – a fight that would give the proud Scouser the opportunity to become a two weight world champion.