Liam Smith will attempt to make it 2-0 over domestic rival, Chris Eubank Jr, this weekend in Manchester.
Repeat or revenge is the question following Smith’s fourth round demolition of the previously un-hurt Eubank in January, who returns for the second fight with his boxing future in question.
The Brighton man stands by that it was a shock result that will play out very differently this time around, but Smith’s side are increasingly confident of another stoppage.
Speaking to Betting Sites, former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew said he fancies Smith to win over the distance this time around.
“I just think it will be a repeat of the first match but I don’t think he’ll knock him out this time. Liam’s from a fighting family, one of four and all of them have been fantastic fighters. They’ve done our city proud.”
“I think Liam’s too clever, too strong and a better boxer. Liam has a better pedigree and is just a better all round boxer. He’s had to earn everything. He’s done it the hard way. The fact is Chris Eubank Jr is just not as good as Liam Smith and he never will be.”
Bellew believes that the rivalry holds a difference in skill that even the introduction of a new world-class trainer can’t help.
“The fact is Chris Eubank Jr is just not as good as Liam Smith and he never will be.”
“He’s being trained by Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre for this fight and he also trains Terrence Crawford but unfortunately you’re not Terrence Crawford.
You can’t do what he can do. Terrence Crawford is the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the whole world. By employing BoMac you’re not just going to magically turn into the best fighter in the world.”
The middleweight bout tops the bill of a Sky Sports Box Office event this coming Saturday.