Ricky Hatton has had his say on Liam Smith’s sensational knockout victory over Chris Eubank Jr.
The UK domestic scene kicked off 2023 with a bang in the form of a Smith uppercut. Just like that, Eubank Jr’s confidence and chin were cracked, and he now faces a tough climb back to the world title he’s so adamant he can win.
Hatton said on Voice From The Corner that Smith put in a ‘great performance’, and it was clear that Eubank couldn’t simply rely on a good chin.
“At the end of the day, he got nailed, didn’t he? It can happen, and it doesn’t matter how good a chin you’ve got, cause Chris Eubank has got a very good chin. I think it’s about levels.”
Going onto discuss the rematch, ‘The Hitman’ believes Eubank will activate the clause in his contract to make it happen. Why? Pride after arrogance.
“I think Chris will have to come back because he’s done a lot of spouting off and I think he’ll have to come back and redeem himself, and prove that he is world class. He’s been giving it a lot of that [talk.]
“Liam’s been there and done it, hasn’t he? Won a world title. Tony Bellew’s been there and done it – won a world title. You can’t mouth off to fighters and then get knocked out like he did. Because of that fact I think he’ll come back, I think he’ll want the rematch.”
“I think Chris has a too high opinion of his self … he’s talking a good fight but he’s not backing it up – when he has had his chances at the world title level he’s come unstuck.”
Smith certainly did humble Eubank. The Brighton fighter had constantly claimed that he would only need to perform at 50% to beat the man from Liverpool. The subsequent knockout is a case study in the dangers of trash talk.
All news points to Eubank pursuing the rematch, which will, in the best case scenario, land at Anfield.