CHRIS EUBANK JR was left “whinging” after a body shot from Liam Smith in sparring, trainer Joe Gallagher said.
The British rivals are set for a middleweight pay-per-view clash on Saturday in Manchester.
PAChris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith ahead of their fight[/caption]
But it will not be the first time the pair have shared the ring, following a disputed sparring session in Bolton.
Coach Gallagher, who formerly cornered Smith, was there that day and claimed the ex-world champion hurt Eubank to the body.
He told Sky Sports: “It was a good spar. Liam did catch Chris with a good body shot.
“It wasn’t a body shot that he fell on the floor, he walked around holding his side, whinging a little bit but he recovered and carried on.
“But Liam did have his moment in the spar in there and I think that’s what’s given Liam huge confidence going into this.”
Eubank, 33, has claimed to not even remember the sparring session, or the alleged body shot.
He said: “I don’t remember if I hurt him. He says he hurt me to the body and nearly put me on the canvas. I think that is a whimsical tale.
“We’re both probably two different fighters compared to what we were back then. Well, I know I am; he may not be, but I am.”
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But Smith, 34, insisted: “I know Chris can be hurt to the body; I’ve openly said it, I know I hurt him to the body.
“He’ll tell you different, but he’s telling you he’s never been hurt in his life, so that’s just Chris.
“Obviously size made it an even spar, and that’s what I’m trying to say now. Size here is making this fight a 50-50, or a great fight as people are saying.”
(Left to right) Ross Enamait, Katie Taylor, Natasha Jonas and Joe GallagherMatchroom Boxing