Boxing
Liam Smith uncertain over Chris Eubank Jr. rematch
Watch Wood vs. Lara live on DAZN (exc. Aus & NZ)
Liam Smith believes he is now in control of any rematch with Chris Eubank Jr.
Smith defeated Eubank Jr. with a convincing fourth-round stoppage in Manchester on Saturday night, and while the losing fighter quickly mentioned a rematch - and can enforce one with a contract clause - Smith was more considered.
Smith said after the fight: “I told you all week, a lot got made because Chris has got a great chin. I’ve got a great chin, there’s plenty of fighters with better chins who have been knocked out in the past.
“I told you all week, don’t be surprised. No one can not be hurt. Don’t ever judge it by that.”
Turning to the chances of a rematch, he said: "I think he's probably going to have to tweet about it and have to talk about it right away. It's kind of an ego and a pride thing. He's not going to say, 'Well, I don't want that rematch, I've just been knocked out.
"But we might get a different answer when he's sat and thought about it and watched it back.
"He'll sit down with his team and his family and he'll decide if he wants that rematch. If he wants that rematch I'll give him it.
"I beat him once so I'll beat him twice."
However, Smith was already willing to consider another fight if he felt it was suitable.
"It puts me in a good position now, with Chris' ranking at 160lbs. I can go back to 154lbs if necessary, we'll see what happens," he added.
"But we'll see who becomes available and what's right for me, my team and my family."
