Boxing News: Liam Smith Eyeing Potential Clash with Conor Benn
Liam Smith has revealed that he has held discussions with Matchroom Boxing regarding a potential fight against welterweight standout Conor Benn later this year. Smith, who hasn’t stepped into the ring since his stoppage defeat in the rematch against Chris Eubank Jr. last September, expressed his eagerness for the matchup.
The former champion had previously knocked out Eubank seven months earlier, but the rematch was delayed due to an injury that Smith blamed for the eventual loss. Eubank’s initial fight with Benn was called off during fight week due to adverse findings in Benn’s drug tests, leading to the Smith rematch.
Despite Benn’s ongoing battle to box in the UK following his underwhelming performances in the United States, Smith revealed that he has been in discussions with promoter Eddie Hearn about a potential bout. “Conor has been mentioned to me and like I have always said, I will take that fight in a heartbeat. I’d love that fight next, if there is one in-between, then great,” Smith told IFL TV.
Smith, who is now a promotional free agent after his three-fight deal with Boxxer expired, has also received an offer from another UK promoter. However, the boxer emphasized that he is seeking big names and significant fights in order to sign a new deal.
“It’s got to be a big fight… it’s who’s going to offer me names. Am I speaking to people? Yes. Have I got a few offers on the table? Yes. Have I picked one? No. Frank and George Warren have offered me names and Eddie [Hearn] and Frank [Smith] are in the middle of doing the same thing now. So, I’ll just see what’s the best option out of those two. But I’m coming off the back of a loss, so let’s be realistic,” Smith added.
The 34-year-old Smith acknowledged that he is unlikely to secure a world title fight immediately, and that one win in a comeback fight would not be sufficient to earn him a shot at a world title. Nevertheless, he remains committed to pursuing big fights that will excite boxing fans.
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