Footage has emerged online of Liam Smith practising attacks to the body ahead of his bout with Chris Eubank Jr in Manchester this weekend.
In a fiery edition of The Gloves Are Off, Smith claimed Eubank showed signs of vulnerability to the body when the pair had sparred in years gone by, so it is perhaps unsurprising to see the Liverpudlian working on combinations downstairs.
Boxxer shared Smith’s training clip on their Twitter channel:
Visualising victory against @ChrisEubankJr 🔥@LiamBeefySmith is preparing for a career-best performance in just over a week 🥊#Unleashed | 21.01.23 | AO Arena | @SkySportsBoxing@WassermanBoxingpic.twitter.com/WiWmCtfm4Y
— BOXXER (@boxxer) January 12, 2023
The enticing all British clash is now upon us, with the boxing world seemingly split down the middle on who they predict will emerge with a crucial victory.
Both men are now entering their mid thirties, so it is therefore hard to imagine a route to world title contention for the loser on Saturday night.
The contest will take place at Eubank’s natural home of middleweight, with Smith stepping up from super welter for the first time in his fourteen year professional career.
A rematch clause is in place for Eubank should he fail to get his hand raised, however the same luxury has not been afforded the way of Smith, who knows he will only get one opportunity to topple his hubristic opponent.
The bout will be Sky Sports’ first pay per view offering of the year, and is available at £19.95. The undercard features a return to action for the likes of Richard Riakhpore and Joseph Parker, as well as a cracking British title fight between Ekkow Essuman and Chris Kongo.
Follow Boxing Social’s live coverage of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith.