Eubank Jr told he is ‘making a big mistake’ by fighting his next opponent

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    Liam Smith has warned rival Chris Eubank Jr is 'making a big mistake', with the pair set to meet in January. Eubank Jr was scheduled to fight Conor Benn in October, however their long-awaited bout dramatically fell through days before after Benn tested positive for a banned substance.

    Since then the British star has turned his attentions elsewhere with 34-year-old Smith now his next opponent. On Thursday it was confirmed the fight would take place on January 21 at the Manchester Arena.

    Smith however believes Eubank Jr may live to regret his decision to get into the ring with him, labelling next year's bout the 'toughest' in the 33-year-old's career.

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    Smith warned his rival: "He’s making a big mistake fighting me. Every time he has stepped up to elite level, he has failed. I am elite and he will fall again on January 21st in Manchester.

    "If he was at 60 percent for the fight that never was against Conor Benn, then he’ll need to be at 160 percent to be ready to face me, a former world champion, in front of thousands of my fans in the North-West. For Chris this is a high-risk, low-reward.

    "For me, it’s the perfect platform to show I will rule the world again in 2023. He needs to be prepared for the toughest night of his career.” Since losing to Magomed Kurbanov in May 2021, Liverpudlian Smith has won three fights on the bounce with his latest victory coming against Hassan Mwakinyo in September.

    As a result, BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom has predicted the 34-year-old's form to continue when he gets in the ring with Eubank Jr. Shalom said: "What a way to start the new year. This is the fight that British boxing fans have been calling for.

    Who do you think will take the victory in January? Let us know in the comments section below

    "There aren’t many bigger names in the sport than Chris Eubank Jr, who many believe is coming into his prime now. This is his biggest fight in recent memory against a truly world class fighter Liam Smith.

    "Liam is proven at world level and in the form of his life. Many will feel that he is the favourite going into this. It will be a huge occasion for British boxing and we’re delighted to bring this mouthwatering event to the fans in the iconic fight city of Manchester.”

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