Liam Smith has provided some insight into his sparring sessions with Chris Eubank Jr ahead of their fight in Liverpool next month.
Smith revealed to Boxing Social that he is taking confidence from the spars that he can hurt Eubank – particularly to the body.
“They were good spars. I’m not like I’m saying I murdered him sparring or whatever it may be. They were good spars and I know Chris can be hurt to the body.”
“I know he’s got a good chin, he’s fit and stylistically I know what he brings. He’s obviously improved a little bit over the years. But everyone makes out that he’s this piece of iron that can’t be hurt – I know he can be hurt.”
Eubank has always been renowned for his durability and has yet to be stopped so far during his 33 fight career.
Whilst things haven’t spilled over into out and out abuse just yet, there is clearly a tension between the pair and and a degree of bad blood going into the contest, which will be Sky Sports and Boxxer’s first pay per view offering of 2023.
The Eubank Jr fight is the one Smith originally desired when originally leaving Matchroom this summer, and the opportunity arose when Eubank’s proposed date with Conor Benn fell through on fight week in October.
There is the possibility Eubank and Smith may have to do it all again, with a rematch cause in place should the Liverpudlian come out on top.
‘Beefy’ states this is at odds with Eubank’s claims that he will only need to be at 50% to beat him, however Eubank is laying the blame for the rematch clause at the door of his team.