Two British Middleweight rivals fight in Manchester in a boxing bout that is likely to decide the career trajectory of the winner. Former IBO Super Middleweight and son of boxing legend Chris Eubank Snr., Chris Eubank Jr will face former WBO and Commonwealth Light-Middleweight champion, Liam Smith. The fight will take place at the AO Arena in Manchester, UK, this weekend. The rivals kicked off the pre-fight shenanigans with accusations of cheating at the weigh-in. Already the homophobic nature of the spat has led to Sky Sports removing the content from YouTube.
Boxing: Middleweight
Location: AO Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom
Date: 22.1.2023, 3:00
Where to watch: Sky Sports box office
Chris Eubank Jr
The British boxer is the son of two-division world boxing champion Chris Eubank. He has held championships in two weight classes, including the WBA interim middleweight title twice between 2015 and 202. Eubanks Jr also won the British Middleweight championship in 2016. Eubank has two losses from 36 fights, first to fellow Brit Billy Joe Saunders in 2014 by split decision and most recently to George Groves when he lost his WBO Super-Middleweight title in Manchester. His grudge match against Nigel Benn last September was canceled. His last fight was in February 2022 against Liam Williams, which he won by unanimous decision.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 33
- Height: 5’11”
- Reach: 73”
- Record: 32-2-0
Liam Smith
The Liverpool-born Middleweight fighter has won his last three fights, including a TKO over Hassan Mwakinyo last September. The former WBO light-middleweight champion held the title from 2015 - 2016. The 34-year-old has 19 knockouts from thirty-two fights and lost his first professional fight to Canelo Alvarez in 2016. Three of his brothers are professional boxers. Liam Smith made his pro debut in 2008.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’ 9.5”
- Reach: 79”
- Record: 32-3
Betting Odds
Chris Eubank Jr. is a clear favorite in this bout and his win is priced at 1.33 odds on Bet 365. On Bet365, Liam Smith to win is priced at 3.40 odds. Chris Eubank Jr to win by decision is priced at 1.87 odds on Coinplay. The same sportsbook has Total Over 10.5 at 1.36 odds. 1xbet has Fight To Go the Distance - Yes at 1.4 odds and a winner by unanimous decision at 2 odds.