CHRIS EUBANK JR and Liam Smith meet in a middleweight clash that is dividing the boxing public.
The pair of former sparring partners-turned bitter enemies put bragging rights on the line in Manchester on the Saturday.
GettyChris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith ahead of their fight[/caption]
Eubank, 33, is the odds-on favourite but insiders have warned not to rule out ex-world champion Smith, 34.
Here, SunSport runs down opinions from inside the boxing world ahead of the weekend’s Sky Box Office bout.
Liam Williams
Perhaps the man to listen to most is Williams, 30, having shared the ring with BOTH men.
The Welshman lost twice to Smith in 2017 and was dropped four times in a points defeat to Eubank last year.
But Williams predicted: “I think Smith is going to win.
“I think it’s going to be a great fight nevertheless but I think it’s a Smith points win for me.”
Prediction: Smith
Liam Williams was beaten by Chris Eubank JrPA
George Groves
Retired Groves is another with great insight having spent years sparring Eubank before winning in 2018 while also losing to Smith’s brother Callum.
Groves, 34, told Sky Sports: “I’ve got a Eubank win. If he loses it’s his own fault.”
He added: “If he punches with spite and volume, he might even stop Liam Smith, who has been stopped before by Canelo Alvarez who is obviously a pound-for-pound fighter.
“But he can be hurt, he can be hurt to the body. If Eubank targets the body I think he might stop him.”
Prediction: Eubank
News Group Newspapers LtdChris Eubank Jr was beaten by George Groves in 2018[/caption]
Carl Froch
Froch, 45, shared sparring rounds with Eubank like his old rival-turned friend Groves.
And the two former foes are reuniting on the night of the fight, with Froch keeping his cards close to his chest until then.
He said: “It’s one I’m really looking forward to.
“I’m going to wait until I work the show with my old mate George Groves before I work out who I’m predicting to win.”
Prediction: Sitting on the fence
Chris Eubank Jr and Carl Froch are ex-sparring partners
Kell Brook
Brook, 36, retired after beating Amir Khan, also 36, last February but will be ringside awaiting the winner.
And he said: “I think it’s a good fight. It’s one I’ll definitely be watching. He’s not my cup of tea, Chris Eubank, I think we all know that.
“I want Liam Smith to win. I believe he will win. I’m basing that on he’s underestimated Liam Smith.
“You know he can punch, Eubank. He’s got a great engine. He’s not the best boxer in the world. It is a good fight.”
Prediction: Smith
Kell Brook wants the winner between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam SmithRichard Pelham / The Sun
Amir Khan
Khan and Brook do not agree on much, but they are both backing Smith to win.
He said: “I’ve done some training with Liam Smith, always a hard worker, trains very hard. He was my training partner when I was fighting Canelo.
“He’s a tough fighter, especially when he puts that attack on you, he’s got great pressure, throws some great shots and hits quite hard.
“I’ve got Liam winning that fight. Even though a lot of people are going to favour the younger fighter in Chris Eubank Jr, I just feel experience in this case will take hold.”
Prediction: Smith
Amir Khan pictured with Chris Eubank Jr
Josh Taylor
Taylor, 32, is now training with Smith in Joe McNally’s Liverpool gym and unsurprisingly has backed his stable-mate.
He told iFL TV: “It’s a close fight. I see Liam winning, I think Liam on points.
“Just a much better boxing brain, much better experience, the more well-rounded fighter, much better.
“But on the other hand you’ve got Eubank, he’s quick, he’s quite powerful and he’s got a good chin. But his boxing ability lets him down.”
Prediction: Smith
AlamyJosh Taylor has backed Liam Smith to bear Chris Eubank Jr[/caption]
KSI
YouTuber-turned crossover boxing has trained with Eubank before.
And he has backed to his old mate to get the job donce once again.
He said to Wasserman Boxing: “Yeah I think Chris is going to win.”
“I think he’s just a different animal. I think he’s hungry. He’s just that suave guy who gets that win every time.”
Prediction: Eubank
YouTube star KSI pictured with Chris Eubank Jr