hris Eubank Jr takes a vital step into uncharted territory on a probably career-defining night in opposition to Liam Smith.
Seven months have handed since that unforgettable night time in Manchester, when British boxing followers have been left shocked by the sight of one of many sport's most brash and self-confessed 'marmite' figures being emphatically humbled and having his legs turned to jelly by a vicious fourth-round onslaught.
The wily Smith's relentless smothering strain and livid fists introduced two knockdowns in fast succession and ensured Eubank was stopped for the primary time as knowledgeable.
While he had misplaced prior to now, twice actually, to each Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves, the way during which Eubank was swiftly dismantled in a harmful blur of energy punches was like nothing we have seen earlier than and he is aware of that he can ill-afford any type of repeat as he bids to bounce again swiftly in Saturday's twice-delayed rematch.
It is just not merely redemption and fame on the road for the 33-year-old this weekend, with a path again to real relevance turning into severely troublesome to plot if he's convincingly defeated as soon as extra.
Smith has been left irate with what he regards as a slew of continuous excuses from his rival since that January showdown in Manchester, which ranged from an alleged slip to complacency to his struggle weight after the cancelled conflict with Conor Benn and many extra in addition to, the Liverpudlian most just lately rightly bristling on the consequence being dismissively derided as an "absolute miracle".
Eubank has since break up from his coach, the legendary former four-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr, as a substitute enlisting the providers of Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre, celebrated for his work with new undisputed welterweight king Terence Crawford.
Eubank has obtained some helpful phrases of knowledge from 'Bud' this week and can hope to attract some inspiration from his new stablemate's trendy masterclass in opposition to Errol Spence Jr in Las Vegas final month.
"I know I am the better fighter and I am going to go out there and prove it," Eubank mentioned at Thursday's feisty ultimate press convention, fortunately devoid of the offensive remarks that marred the build-up to the primary struggle however nonetheless a heated affair involving two males between whom there's actually no love misplaced.
"The preparation I have had has been excellent and the performance I am going to have is going to be exquisite, supernatural. It is going to be a beautiful, artistic display of savage boxing."
Smith, for his half, is wholly unfazed by Eubank's renewed bravado and has defiantly pledged to wreak related punishment this time round.
"The same will happen again. If he makes the same mistakes, I will punish him," he mentioned.
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