Despite being beaten emphatically by Liam Smith in January, Chris Eubank Jr. has officially activated his rematch clause and will look to face the Liverpool star again later this year.
It was Eubank himself who revealed his decision via social media while wishing Smith a Happy Valentine’s Day in the process.
Not to be outdone, Smith responded in kind and will be supremely confident of repeating his emphatic triumph when the pair attempt to collide in the sequel.
Happy Valentine’s Day. See you soon 😘 pic.twitter.com/AtXP3VGYxn
— Liam Smith (@LiamBeefySmith) February 14, 2023
There was controversy following the first fight, with Team Eubank insisting that an elbow contributed to the first knockdown. However, the general consensus is that any infringement was both accidental and incidental. Smith had hurt Eubank in the corner and was in the process of following up.
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What happened in the first Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Liam Smith fight?
Following three competitive rounds, the all-British middleweight collision ended in spectacular fashion early in round four.
Smith used his feet and adept head movement to force Eubank into a corner before unloading with a sharp right. With his man stunned, Smith’s second phase of attack was world class, and a punishing combination put Eubank down heavily.
When he got to his feet, the Brighton star’s equilibrium had completely deserted him. He trotted forward involuntarily and there was a strong case for stopping the fight there and then.
Referee Victor Loughlin decided to give the stricken fighter the benefit of the doubt, but Smith smelled blood and decked him again. Eubank rose but trainer and multi-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr. had the white towel in hand, which prompted Loughlin to call the fight off.
“I have beaten better guys than Chris and I have proven my chin,” said Smith during his post-fight interview with Sky Sports. “I have coped with better guys than Chris.
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“I was judging the distance better as the fight went on and I knew I would get to him in the end. I knew he could not hurt me and I knew I could hurt him.
“If Chris wants the rematch we can do that on my terms.”
When is Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr. 2?
The fight will now take place at London’s O2 Arena on September 2, according to Eubank on Twitter on July 14.
Date: September 2 (TBC)
Start time: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
Main card: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
Main event: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
How to watch Liam Smith vs. Chris Eubank Jr.?
TV channels/live stream: TBA
In the U.K., the rematch is expected to air on Sky Box Office.
In the U.S., the rematch is expected to air on DAZN.
Full details of the broadcast arrangements for the fight will be published here when they become available.
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Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr. 2 price: How much will the fight cost?
The first bout was a Sky Box Office pay-per-view attraction in the U.K., and DAZN streamed the fight at other locations.
It has not been confirmed if these arrangements will remain the same for the rematch.
Where is Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr. 2?
Anfield Stadium was being discussed as the site for Smith vs. Eubank 2 before the fighters had exited the ring following their first encounter.
However, there is one stumbling block.
The Liverpool FC stadium is under development. Although it’s on track to be completed for the 2023/2024 season, that’s still six months away.
With the rematch being targeted for May, some clarity is required on how Smith’s dream fight venue can be utilized for the rematch. Smith deserves the return fight on home ground, but the SSE Arena (formerly the Echo) is too small for an event of this magnitude.
Liam Smith vs. Chris Eubank Jr. 2 odds for boxing rematch
No official odds have been posted for Smith vs. Eubank 2. All odds will be added to this page as they become available.
In the first fight, Eubank was a -225 favourite, while Smith was the +188 underdog (Per Sky Bet). In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Eubank Jr. was the -250 favourite, while Smith was the +175 underdog.
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Liam Smith record and bio
Nationality: British
Born: July 27, 1988
Height: 5-9 ½
Reach: N/A
Total fights: 37
Record: 33-3-1 (20 KOs)
Chris Eubank Jr. record and bio
Nationality: British
Born: Sept. 18, 1989
Height: 5-11
Reach: 72.5
Total fights: 35
Record: 32-3 (23 KOs)
Liam Smith vs. Chris Eubank Jr. 2 fight card
Liam Smith vs. Chris Eubank Jr. 2
The full card will be available on this page as fights are announced.
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