Former WBO super-welterweight champion, Liam Smith, has indicated that his upcoming rematch with Chris Eubank Jr truly is an all-or-nothing tear-up for both men, with respective title shots and careers on the line.
Smith famously became the first man to stop Eubank back in January, twice dropping the middleweight who went on to claim that he was the subject of a well-hidden elbow during a pivotal combination.
Now, the Liverpudlian is faced with the task of defeating him once again after a rematch clause was activated, and has admitted that this bout could be his last if his rival manages to even the score.
In an interview with Sky Sports, ‘Beefy’ explained that whoever loses the contest could well retire from the sport, with defeat leaving either man too far away from a world title opportunity, at their respective ages of 34 and 33-years-old.
“Defeat is not an option. I’ve said in the past, my next loss will probably be my last one so there’s your answer.”
“He’s come off the back of a stoppage loss. I probably predict he’ll come off another stoppage loss too and then it’s down to Chris and his team, but at 33 years of age losing twice to me is his ambitions to still be world champion quite realistic?. Probably not.”
“I feel he would probably be done after this but with Chris and his ego, he might not be.”
Despite Smith’s suggestion, both fighters have been linked with Conor Benn ahead of the currently-suspended Brit’s comeback, and the loser may still have that opulent opportunity.
In the event billed as ‘repeat or revenge’, the pair will once again take centre stage at the AO Arena in Manchester, with the event being available to watch live on Sky Sports on September 2.