Chris Eubank Jr’s long-awaited middleweight rematch with Liam Smith is finally set for Manchester Arena on September 2.
Eubank (32-3, 23 KOs) suffered a career first knockout defeat against Smith in January having previously seen a career high payday with Conor Benn fall through due to failed drugs tests. Since the that night at the beginning of the year the talk of Eubank Jr Vs Benn has gained momentum with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn claiming for months that a deal was close to being sealed.
ProBox TV has spoken at length with Eubank’s promoters over the last week who were wary of a deal ever getting over the line because “trust levels are not high” with Smith promoters Boxxer. To add to Eubank Jr's problems on picking which fight, Smith has fell foul to injury seeing the rematch between the pair postponed on multiple occasions.
However, the rematch has finally been agreed while Benn still has no boxing licence and no conclusion from his two failed doping tests last year.
“Trust levels are not the highest, but we got it done.” Promoter Nisse Sauerland said in an exclusive interview for ProBox TV. “It is signed, it is announced on Sky Sports Box Office. We are going in there, hopefully, for the victory. It is still a great fight, and I think Liam might underestimate him from last time. Chris could come back with a vengeance, there are a few different angles to the whole fight. It is exciting.
“He needs to come in mean and spiteful, the old Chris. Uppercuts and left hooks! Lots of them. Punches in bunches, he doesn’t need to worry about jabbing. Just go for it!”
There was an air of humour to Sauerland’s words when discussing Eubank Jr’s weaker areas of his arsenal. However, it was clear that the promoter was inspired but the thought of his charge reverting back to his wrecking-ball style tactics that proved successful during the 33 years old’s rise.
“Could you imagine me as a trainer.” Sauerland joked. “Get in there, sod the bloody jab and just get him. No, look. He just needs to be the old school Chris. I think in the 3rd round of the last one we saw him coming out of his shell a bit, and then got caught. It happens in boxing. We are just happy to finally get our guy out again and get him a good payday.”
