Liam Smith Stuns Chris Eubank Jr With 4th Round TKO

Saturday night in Manchester, England, the main event ended with a emphatic KO. It’s just not the guy that most expected to get it. Liam “Beefy” Smith pulled an upset with a fourth round TKO win over Chris Eubank Jr. in the main event of the Boxxer promotions / Wasserman Boxing show at the AO Arena.

The bout was shown via pay per view on Sky Sports in the U.K. and streamed on DAZN to the USA and some other countries,

𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒! 💥

A huge stoppage victory against Chris Eubank Jr. #EubankSmith pic.twitter.com/alJOZFKvRR

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) January 21, 2023

After a buildup of insults late in the week that led to some tension, Smith and Eubank squared off in a scheduled 12 rounder. And, after a somewhat slow first couple of rounds the action picked up in the third.. That’s when Eubank used his reach advantage and scored with his jab, and then, eventually a couple of solid uppercuts for the best action of the fight.

However, it would be short-lived, as Smith, now 33-3, 20 KOs, cornered Eubank in the first :30 of the fourth round, hitting him with a solid overhand right. Next, a tremendous left uppercut jolted Eubank followed by another hard left hook that sent Eubank to the canvas on the seat of his pants and in big trouble.

The fight could have honestly been stopped at that point as Eubank was clearly out of it and staggering to the middle of the ring while the count was going on.

Still, referee Victor Loughlin allowed the bout to continue and Smith landed another solid overhand right that rocked Eubank, now 32-3, further and eventually, landed another inside combination with Eubank stumbling and lunging at him to end up on the ground a second time.

That’s when the fight was halted for good

For his part, the 34 year old Smith ran to the ropes cheering with his arms out stretched and his back turned to Eubank, who was still so dazed and confused that he thought the fight should still be happening. It was only one of Smith’s entourage who got between the fighters, hugging Eubank to keep more punches from being thrown.

The Sky Sports Broadcast also mentioned that Roy Jones, trainer for Eubank, had been up near the ring apron with a towel, ready to throw it in had the referee not stopped the fight.

The win has to be the most satisfying and significant for Smith in the last several years and he was grateful for the roaring 20,000+ fans on hand that were mostly in his favor

“I told you guys all week. Don’t be surprised….I knew I wobbled him and let them go (his hands)…. I knew Chris was there. So, I couldn’t let him off the hook. His fitness would let him recover quick. The next bundle of punches landed. I’ve always been known for my timing being very good…. Once I hit him, I didn’t let him off the hook.”

Will there be a rematch?

The 33 year old Eubank emerged after the fight with a serious mouse under his right eye that appeared to be from either the big uppercut or the left hook that dropped him for the first time. And, when things calmed down, he credited Smith for the win.

Eubank does have a one-way rematch clause in the contract for Saturday night’s fight, but it’s unclear on whether he will choose to use it or not?

And, for Liam Smith, who’s heard whispers about him retiring, it’s a win that gives him options at middleweight. The man, who once lost in a world title challenge to Canelo Alvarez for the WBO super welterweight championship in 2016 by 9th round KO, has to be a very gratified with a dramatic moment to win near the end of his 15 year pro career.