Liam Williams has had his say on the domestic dust up between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith – and he’s well qualified having faced them both in the past.
The Welshman has fought and lost to Smith twice – both in 2017 – via a referee’s stoppage and a majority decision. The Liverpool man missed weight in their first fight, leaving him unable to win the WBO Interim World Super Welterweight title on the line and meaning his victory was bragging rights only.
Following seven wins and one loss, Williams then faced Eubank Jr. He lost via unanimous decision after being dropped by the Brighton-born star four times.
Ahead of his two former opponents facing off in the ring, Williams praised Eubank’s improvements under coach, Roy Jones Jr to Sky Sports.
“He’s obviously a good fighter, credit where it’s due. I’m not his biggest fan man to man as a person but give him his credit he’s a good fighter.”
“He’s sharp, he’s obviously very fit. I do think he’s improved a little bit under Roy Jones. He’s not all guns blazing, but then again on the other hand that could be his downfall. Because he’s always been known for really putting on the pressure, work rate and having too much engine for people.
“You could look at it both ways but I think technically he’s definitely improved a bit for sure.”
Despite giving him his due, Williams is siding with Smith for the win.
“I do really rate him [Smith]. He’s very well schooled, he’s got the basics nailed down really well. Obviously he’s got a good engine, he puts that pressure on. A good body puncher, he sets up the attacks really well. I think it’s an interesting fight for sure but I feel like Smith is going to win this fight.”
“That’s what makes it interesting – they’re both very mentally strong, I feel and I just think they’re not going to want to be bullied or pushed back. So I think it’s a going to be a cracking fight.
“I think Smith is going to win. It’s a very even fight. But I think Smith might just have that little too much work rate and nick it on the cards.”
Smith and Eubank face off in Manchester on January 21 in what will be Sky Sports and Boxxer’s first pay-per-view offering of the year. Buoyed by a stacked undercard and genuine intrigue around the main event, it’s a domestic scrap not to be missed.