British boxers Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. went for the first time against each other earlier this year on January 21. The result was out there for everyone to see. With the fourth-round stoppage, Smith had dominated Eubank Jr. The fight which was held at the AO Arena, Manchester, raised several doubts about the skills and the future of Eubank Jr. After being postponed and rescheduled twice, the rematch finally took place last night.
As the bout began, the Brighton resident must have been under a lot of pressure as another defeat would’ve been catastrophic for the boxer. However, the fight took a different turn than what people expected. Not only did Eubank win the bout, but he did so in a domineering fashion. He had claimed that he wouldn’t be bringing a towel to the fight. As the result came out it was clear that he indeed did not need it, he let his fists do the talking. Moreover, he also issued a challenge to his rivals before the bout. While it appeared arrogant at first, in hindsight his bold words prior to his bout appear to be a prophecy now.
Chris Eubank Jr. showed off his unyielding determination prior to the bout
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While it may just be Eubank Jr. rationalizing his disastrous loss at the hands of Smith, he holds a firm belief that no one can call him a quitter. The boxer has repeatedly argued that he would’ve been able to go on had the referee not stopped the fight. In fact, he even charged after Smith, still wobbly after the fight was stopped. In a recent interview prior to his rematch, the young boxer took a dig at those who lack such fierceness in the ring.
Eubank: It’s a Shame These Days You Have So Many Fighters Willing to Take a Knee https://t.co/EL5f1iKc6z pic.twitter.com/hJBnwgYCHN
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) September 2, 2023
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Addressing his tenacity and resolve after the stoppage, he stated, “I think that was evident for everybody to see.” As he spoke with BBC 5 Live Boxing, he further added, “That’s how it should be. And it’s a shame these days that you have so many fighters who are willing to just give up, that are willing to take a knee…”. He shared his disappointment with such fighters as he pointed out how such behavior has become commonplace nowadays.
Eubank Jr. boldly claimed that he is not “looking for a way out”, instead he is “looking for a way in.” Furthermore, he challenged his competitors to test him with whatever they got. He asked them to try breaking his spirit, a deed which according to him, had never been done before.
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What do you think about this bold statement from the boxer? What did you think of his redemption against Smith? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
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