Chris Eubank Jr and Liam smith will go head-to-head tomorrow night at Manchester Arena in a middleweight clash dividing the boxing world.
Both have been world champions with Smith holding the WBO super-welterweight world champion between 2015-16 and Eubank Jr winning the IBO world super-middleweight and WBA interim middleweight titles twice.
This fight isn’t for a title but a victory for either will boost their chances at a potential future major fight for a belt.
They are both two big names in British boxing so the attention and heat during the build-up is unsurprising.
Things took a turn in the pre-match press conference with both fighters making personal marks that broadcaster Sky Sports apologised for due to their offensive nature.
Whoever loses will likely find it hard to push for a world title given both men are now in their mid-thirties, so a lot is on the line.
The clash in styles will be interesting to see, Smith will want to fight up close whereas Eubank Jr is likely to try and maintain a safe distance and pick his moments.
Where to watch
The fight will be available to watch on Sky Sports Box Office with coverage kicking off at 6pm but Eubank Jr and Smith won’t be making their walks to the ring before 10pm.
Undercard
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo – an exciting bout for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles
Joseph Parker vs Jack Massey – former heavyweight champion Parker is looking to bounce back after a defeat to Joe Joyce
Frazer Clarke vs Kevin Espindola – Olympic bronze medalist Clarke battles Argentina’s Espindola
Matty Harris vs Jiri Surmanj – Harris is a heavyweight prospect from Coventry and will be looking to continue his impressive form
Scott Forrest vs Amine Boucetta – Forrest is a former GB boxer who trains alongside Liam Smith and will be one to watch
Prediction
Many former boxers have had their say on who they think will win the main fight, and it’s a tough one to call.
Eubank is the bigger man and goes into the fight as the favourite and he claimed in the build up that he doesn’t even need to be at 60 percent to win.
It’s easy for him to play this one down though and in reality he will need to be at his best to ensure he isn’t defeated.
George Groves who’s a former sparring partner to Eubank has predicted him to win.
He told Sky Sports: “I’ve got a Eubank win. If he loses it’s his own fault. If he punches with spite and volume, he might even stop Liam Smith, who has been stopped before by Canelo Alvarez who is obviously a pound-for-pound fighter.”
Kell Brook who retired after beating Amir Kahn last year will be ringside at the event and wants to fight the winner.
He told The Sun: “I think it’s a good fight. It’s one I’ll definitely be watching. He’s not my cup of tea, Chris Eubank, I think we all know that.
“I want Liam Smith to win. I believe he will win. I’m basing that on he’s underestimated Liam Smith.”
