Key Highlights :
Chris Eubank Jr has announced that he will face Liam Smith on September 2 at the O2 Arena in London, eight months after his devastating knockout loss to Smith in Manchester. This comes despite suggestions from Eddie Hearn that Eubank Jr may face Conor Benn next.
The Brighton boxer activated the rematch clause inserted in their contracts back in February and was originally expected to box Smith on June 17 at the AO Arena, Manchester - the scene of their inaugural encounter. However, the fight was postponed twice due to a 'nagging injury' sustained by Smith.
With no new date locked in for quite some time, Hearn suggested that Eubank Jr and Benn could land at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 23, dependant on Benn's imminent doping verdict. However, despite Hearn's insistence that there was an 'offer on the table', Eubank Jr's promoter Kalle Sauerland is adamant that they won't entertain the bout until UKAD complete their investigation into Benn's failed drug tests before the pair were supposed to square off in October last year.
The rematch between Eubank Jr and Smith is expected to be an exciting one, as Smith looks to prove that his first victory was not a fluke, while Eubank Jr is out for revenge. Sky Sports have not officially announced the fight date and venue as of yet, but it is expected to take place at the O2 Arena on September 2.