Liam Smith Eyes Trilogy Fight Against Chris Eubank Jr After Aaron McKenna Bout
Liam Smith is targeting a trilogy fight against Chris Eubank Jr as he looks to settle their rivalry once and for all. The 36-year-old is set to face Aaron McKenna on the undercard of Eubank Jr’s showdown against Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.
According to Sky Sports, Smith suffered a 10th-round stoppage defeat to a vastly-improved Eubank Jr in their September 2023 rematch, having knocked out his British rival in emphatic fashion eight months earlier. Smith had been due to make his return to the ring against Josh Kelly last September before withdrawing from the fight due to illness.
Smith believes that a trilogy fight against Eubank Jr could be on the cards if he emerges victorious against McKenna. “I think there’s probably a number of reasons I’m on this card,” Smith told Sky Sports. “I don’t think Chris wanted me on this card, but I’m on it, maybe if one of the main-event fighters got injured I was probably the best name to step up and step in. We know with Riyadh Season, it just wants really good fights and dancing partners. If I win and the main event is a bit one-sided and doesn’t have a rematch then I’m an option for the winner.”
Smith was visibly far from his best during his second meeting with Eubank Jr, but would later make no excuses over his performance on the night or preparations that had been marred by an injury setback. He remains driven by the loss and is seeking the opportunity to put things right as he continues to downplay question marks over what motivation he has left in the latter years of his career.
The 36-year-old added, “If I wasn’t motivated I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t be in the shape I’ve got in, especially after a horrendous injury I had. The same question was getting asked of Callum (brother Callum Smith) about desire. It’s irrelevant. Going back to the loss to Chris is all the motivation I need really. Last time I was in a ring in a competitive fight I was horrendous. That loss eats away at me every night because I didn’t get the chance to do it again.”
Smith’s opponent McKenna arrives a perfect 19-0 as a professional and the younger man at the age of 25 as he fights for the first time since a 10th-round stoppage win over Jeovanny Estela last July. For all McKenna’s potential, Smith plans to make his ring experience count. “I look at him, I’ve had a few of these over the years,” said Smith. “Going back to the Anthony Fowler fight (in October 2021). I get asked the same question ‘you’ve been to the top, what desire have you still got?’ I remember on that card there were six 154s on that card, I said you can match me with any one of them, it’s a competitive fight for four, five, six rounds and then cuteness, ability, experience comes into it. This will be no different. He’ll start very fast, he’ll be game, competitive, but when the fight settles down and the ability and experience shows I’ll be too good for Aaron.”
Sky Sports reports that Chris Eubank vs Conor Benn will be live on Saturday April 26 on Sky Sports Box Office. Fans can book their tickets now to witness what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Smith’s determination to secure a trilogy fight against Eubank Jr is clear, and it remains to be seen how the future unfolds for the 36-year-old. One thing is certain, however, and that is that Smith will be looking to make a statement against McKenna this weekend.
The stage is set for an exciting encounter, and Sky Sports will be providing extensive coverage of the event. Will Smith be able to overcome McKenna and set his sights on a trilogy fight against Eubank Jr? Only time will tell.
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna takes place this weekend, and fans can expect a thrilling contest. As reported by Sky Sports, Smith is focused on making a statement and securing a trilogy fight against Chris Eubank Jr.
Sky Sports provides in-depth analysis and coverage of the world of boxing, and their expert commentary will be on hand to guide viewers through the action. With Smith looking to make a statement against McKenna, all eyes will be on the 36-year-old as he looks to reignite his career.
Fans can expect an action-packed encounter, and Sky Sports will be the perfect destination for all the latest news, updates, and analysis from the world of boxing.
Source link
