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Liverpool's Liam Smith is eager to step back into the ring for a potential trilogy with Chris Eubank Jr. The two fighters have a history, with Smith initially upsetting Eubank with a fourth-round knockout in January at AO Arena in Manchester, England, only for Eubank to secure vengeance with a dominant 10th-round stoppage in their rematch eight months later.
While Eubank is exploring a matchup with Conor Benn, the British Boxing Board of Control's recent refusal to sanction a fight involving Benn due to unresolved drug test issues has left Eubank's next move uncertain.
In an interview with Boxing News, Smith expressed his willingness for a third bout with Eubank, stating
"I’d love that to happen. If you ask me right now, I’d pay money out of my own pocket to fight Chris again. That’s one that eats away at me."
Smith acknowledged the possibility that Eubank might opt for other opportunities instead of pursuing a trilogy, but he remains open to the idea. He emphasized being in no rush to return to the ring, eyeing a comeback in March with a focus on recovery and preparation rather than the pressure of making weight.
As a free agent, Smith is in talks with various promoters about his future, including Matchroom, which promoted him previously. Discussions with Matchroom and other options are underway, and Smith, despite coming off a loss, feels optimistic about the big fights that lie ahead.
"The people I’m talking to now are basically asking me 'when?'" Smith revealed. "I’m pretty sure they’ll offer me a fight in March. I’ve spoken to Matchroom last weekend, and I’ve got a couple of other options at the moment. I’m coming off the back of a loss, but I’m still in a good place, still got options, left, right, and center. I’m pretty sure I’ll be in big fights."