LIAM SMITH believes time is not on Chris Eubank Jr’s side as the Brighton man prepares for a rematch with Conor Benn.
On November 15, the two bitter rivals return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the site of their first meeting, which ended in victory for Eubank.
Much of the build-up to that April clash centred around the weight stipulation in the contract, which prevented Eubank from weighing more than 10lbs above the 160lb middleweight limit the day after the weigh-in. The fight proved a gruelling test of will and skill, and appeared to take more out of the 35-year-old Eubank than it did of the 28-year-old Benn.
Smith, who split two fights with Eubank in 2023, gave Boxing News his thoughts on the upcoming rematch after last night’s card in Altrincham.
“Regardless of the weight, I bring Conor into the fight more next time. I think Chris is getting older and starting to look older. And I think that fight won’t have done him any favours. I think that’ll put even more miles on the clock with Chris. Seeing Chris training with knee braces on, elbow braces, stuff like that – I give Conor a real chance.”
Eubank’s win over Benn, the 35th of his 14-year professional career, was arguably the biggest of his journey so far. Known for his taste for fast cars and big purses, questions have often been asked about his hunger and desire.
“Chris will look at it like I’ve just beat Conor – coz he did beat Conor the first time round for millions – and I’ll beat him again for even more money next time round,” Smith said. “And I think that’ll be Chris’s angle on it. He’s got that way about him. We fight when I’m ready to fight and that’s why he delayed it till November.”
Last time out, Eubank and Benn threw caution to the wind and produced a red-hot encounter. But after 12 bruising rounds, and given the wear of a long career, Smith feels the clock is ticking.
“I think Conor outperformed last time. I think Conor performed very well. Chris won the fight. If Chris turns up like he did last time, then he’s got a chance. But I thought Chris looked one or two fights away from being done.”
