Chris Eubank Jr’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland, has indicated that a rematch with Liam Smith will take place, but admits it may not be the next one.
The Brighton boxer suffered his first defeat in Manchester by Liam Smith in the UK’s first major domestic show of the calendar year.
Eubank was knocked down by a barrage of hooks and hooks, and was completely on his feet when he passed the count. The second takedown ended the contest in the fourth round.
Despite Eubank’s post-match sentiment that he would soon be back in the ring with Smith, Sauerland has said a decision has not yet been made and options are being considered. He explained to Sports sky.
“I told Ben [Shalom] We will use the full time to review our options. We don’t have a lot of communication about it, and we’re certainly not giving any indication that we’re going to implement the rematch clause. Is it an interesting option? Absolute. But is it the best option? We have a few more weeks to think.
“A hasty decision in boxing is the worst decision ever. It’s all about when it makes sense. In the end, it must be the right move for Junior. He is also at an important stage in his career. Yes, it’s a failure, it’s a big failure when you lose a big battle. But is that an obstacle he can return to? Absolute. That’s the interesting thing about boxing.”
“It would be different if it was a one-sided knockdown. Not so. Chris gained a round on my card.
It’s unclear how Smith feels about this, but at 34, the Liverpool-born player is looking to get busy with being a two-time world champion and may not be ready to wait for Eubank in the future.
It’s also worth thinking about where exactly Eubank is going and who he’s going after as a rival if not Smith.
Sauerland ended his thoughts with a nod with theorized that Smith dropped the elbow in his final punch that helped Eubank on his way to the tarp.
“Can you do it again? I want to see that. A lot of people want to see that. The rematch is a fight that will happen. The question is when it will happen.
There are several options open to Junior. It will completely happen in time. I’m sure Liam wants the rematch to prove that it’s not just a random punch. Or a lucky elbow, nudge, nudge, wink, wink!”
With just a few weeks to go before the rematch clause expires, more news is to be expected soon.
