Promotional firm, Boxxer, has today formally announced that Liam Smith (33-3-1, 20KOs) will face Chris Eubank Jr (32-2, 23KOs) in a rematch following their original matchup on January 21st earlier this year. Former WBO super-welterweight champion Smith would upset the betting sportsbooks with a fourth-round stoppage of Eubank Jnr, who was the original betting favourite. As per the first fight, the contest will be contested at middleweight.
Venue and Date Set for Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr Rematch
The rematch will take place on June 17th and will be held at the Manchester Arena, the same venue that held the original January 21st contest. Following defeat to Smith, Eubank Jr activated a rematch clause which he had inserted into his bout agreement for the first contest. The rematch clause was triggered in February, and was confirmed by Kalle Sauerland (promoter of Eubank Jr) had indeed been activated.
Speculation Ends: Smith vs Eubank Jr Rematch Confirmed for June 17th
There was much speculation before the announcement if the rematch would even take place despite the rematch obligations. Eubank had been heavily linked with a possible fight with Conor Benn, who were originally due to face one another on October 8th last year at the O2 Arena in London. However, that fight ultimately fell apart on fight week due to anti-doping issues on behalf of Conor Benn.
ProBox TV reported previously that Chris Eubank Jr had been offered and was close to agreeing to terms to face Benn in June in the United Arab Emirates. However, the prospect of the fight happening ultimately faded away due to Conor Benn’s investigation into his anti-doping issues following two failed tests for the substance Clomifene. The British Boxing Board of Control stated that they would use preventive measures to block any British licence holder (boxer, promoter, manager, trainer) from participating in and facilitating any contest with Benn.
Liam Smith Record & Mandatory Challenge for WBO Middleweight Title
Liam Smith following his victory over Eubank Jr, was made mandatory challenger to face WBO world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8KOs), with the WBO deciding to order negotiations on February 22nd. Ultimately Smith was obligated to give Smith the rematch following the activation of the rematch clause held by Eubank Jr. Alimkhanuly faces Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26KOs) on May 13th in a WBO world title defence in Stockton, California.
However, it had been confirmed in recent weeks that all parties involved were working towards today’s announcement, which Boxxer confirmed at 1 pm in the UK.
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