Is it time for revenge? Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. will meet again this weekend for their much-awaited rematch. It’s an all-English boxing affair in this middleweight showdown between two experienced fighters. Last January the two fighters battled it out with Smith winning by way of knockout. However, Eubank Jr. has been determined in his opinion that this time things won’t end in the same way. The ironclad self-belief Eubank has in himself is impressive. He is certain that this time, things will go his way. With the buzz continuing to build as we approach Saturday night, the AO Arena in Manchester will be packed out for the next exciting instalment of this matchup.
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Smith vs Eubank Jr. Preview
Having won their last matchup in the fourth round, Smith will be hoping to repeat his heroics from last January and comes into this one as favourite. There’s a lot we can take away from the last time these two met. As it wasn’t actually that long ago, things might well go a similar way in this latest matchup. Although Smith eventually won the bout, Eubank Jr. will take lots of positives from the previous fight having had Smith under immense pressure in a couple of rounds.
After the last fight, Smith admitted to Sky Sports “There was nothing in the fight, I never really got going.” Although he’ll take confidence from winning the big moments in the last fight, there is a reason Eubank Jr. is feeling so ready to get into their latest fight. Eubank, as always, was happy to play the villain. In their last bout, Eubank was happy to keep his distance and hide behind his jab, relying on movement and his defensive technique.
Smith was happy to get in close and consistently looked to close the space between the two fighters. Smith was always moving forward. There was nothing between the two in the first couple of rounds; but after that Smith started to take control of the bout. However, Eubank looked to have a deadly uppercut and countered Smith on a few occasions, something he’ll hope to do again this time around.
Smith insisted after the fight that the counter punches and flurry of uppercuts didn’t phase him, however it was clear that Eubank found himself on top at certain times in the fight. However, Smith’s a tough customer, and this shone through as he finished things in the fourth with a strong set of jabs, crosses and uppercuts.
With so much to take from the last fight, Saturday night is sure to be another great addition to this rivalry. Both fighters will try to learn lessons from the last fight and plans will be formulated, ploys perfected and technical changes made. However, as the famous Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Smith vs Eubank Jr. Boxing Odds
Liam Smith @ 1.63
Chris Eubank Jr. @ 2.18
Draw @ 21.00
Chris Eubank Jr. by decision @ 3.88
Liam Smith by decision @ 4.00
Smith vs Eubank Jr. Betting Tips
Chris Eubank Jr. by decision @ 3.88
After the last affair was so tight, there’s a few ways we could see this one going. Eubank Jr. will be fired up to right the wrongs of last time around. He looked good until Smith began to turn the screw and get in close. If this one goes all the way, there’s every chance he could win on a decision with his movement, fast hands and impressive boxing ability. He’s technically a brilliant boxer and using his ability and impressive fight knowledge he could have the edge in a decision.
Liam Smith 4-6 @ 8.30
On the other hand, Smith has the power to really hurt Eubank. He had his number last time and the fight ended a lot earlier than anyone would have expected. There is every chance he does it all again. If Eubank Jr. doesn’t learn from his mistakes and keep his distance, he could find himself lying on the ground, for the second time this year. If Smith is going to put Eubank down, it’ll need to be early while he’s got the stamina.
Where to Watch
The fight takes place on Saturday 2nd of September. The undercard will get underway at 6pm with the fight expected to take place around 10pm. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office on channels 491 and 492.
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