NEWS: LIAM SMITH BELIEVES JAIME MUNGUIA IS A BETTER FIGHTER THAN CHRIS EUBANK, JR.

01/10/2023

By: Jay Calderon

While perhaps a bit under-the-radar Stateside, the Middleweight clash between Chris Eubank, Jr. and former world titlist Liam Smith is quite the attraction.

The pair are set to meet at the Manchester Arena on January 21, with an an expected capacity crowd on hand. The bout will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Truthfully, it's a decent fight on paper, with either man having a reasonable shot at capturing victory. However, if you ask Smith, the selling point could have a lot more to do with his opponent's surname than his achievements in the ring.

Eubank, Jr., the son of former Super Middleweight champion Chris Eubank, Sr., has had a modestly successful career in regards to in-ring accomplishments. However, financially, he has remained a bankable name in the British boxing world.

Smith, while he credits Eubank's team for "doing something right" in regards to that financial success, believes the actual talent has yet to be on display at the highest level.

In fact, Smith, a veteran of over 35 fights, including efforts against Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia, doesn't believe Eubank ranks as high as the aforementioned fighters.

"Because of the name, his second name, because of his demeanor and his attitude, he's made himself a big name in British boxing," Smith told Sky Sports. "It is a high profile fight. Do I think he's a better fighter than Jaime Munguia? No, so I don't think he's the second best fighter I've fought either. But time will tell."

One could easily argue that Smith makes a very valid point. Eubank has made quite the name for himself, but you can't say it's due to the wins on his record.

Outside of a victory over former titlist James DeGale, Eubank has failed to snag a meaningful win off of anyone near the top of the sport. The Londoner has suffered two losses as a professional, and both came at the hands of his best opponents in the way of Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves, respectively.

At the age of 33, Eubank has yet to capture one of the many world titles floating around the sport.

Still, with a decent win over Smith, Eubank could position himself for a shot at the gold later on in the year.

To check out my prediction for Chris Eubank vs. Liam Smith, click here.

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