Eubank Jr vs Smith: New date revealed for delayed rematch
Smith stopped Eubank Jr in Round 4 in January, and the pair were due to clash again on 17 June
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will square off on 1 July, as a delay to their rematch was confirmed on Tuesday.
Smith stopped Eubank Jr in Round 4 in January, and it was announced in April that the Britons would clash at the AO Arena in Manchester again on 17 June.
However, ESPN reported on Monday (8 May) that Smith had suffered an injury, which would likely delay the middleweight rematch by a matter of weeks.
That news was confirmed by Boxxer, which will promote the rematch, on Tuesday (9 May).
“It’s just an old injury niggle flaring up,” said Smith, “but I want to take the time to let it heal up so that I can enter the ring at 100 percent on fight night. A 100 percent Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”
Smith, 34, and Eubank Jr, 33, fought each other in January after the latter’s planned bout with Conor Benn fell through.
Eubank Jr and Benn were due to box one another in October, almost 29 years to the day after their fathers’ second and final clash, but it was revealed on fight week that Benn had failed two drug tests in the lead-up to the catchweight bout.
Benn’s return is still up in the air; the British Boxing Board of Control has stripped the 26-year-old of his licence, while UK Anti-Doping has suspended the Briton. However, the WBC did clear Benn of ‘intentional doping’.
Eubank Jr will take a professional record of 32-3 (23 knockouts) into his rematch with Smith, whose pro record stands at 33-3-1 (20 KOs).
Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments