Liam Smith wants Chris Eubank Jr trilogy struggle: ‘I’ve got more fire in my belly because of the last efficiency’ | Boxing News

Liam Smith is chasing a decisive third struggle with Chris Eubank Jr as he bids to show discuss of his imminent retirement is futile.

Having been the large underdog for his or her preliminary conflict in January last 12 months, Smith triggered an infinite upset with a devastating fourth spherical knockout at the Manchester Arena.

However, Eubank Jr turned issues round in sensational trend in September’s rematch, dominating the contest earlier than securing the tenth spherical stoppage to banish his demons.

After experiencing such a humbling loss, the Liverpudlian is set to as soon as once more come out on high ought to there be a trilogy struggle.

“I think it’s probably obvious what I want next. I’d love a third fight with Eubank if he doesn’t get the Conor Benn fight or whatever it might be,” he advised Sky Sports.

Following such a subdued displaying in his most up-to-date bout, hypothesis round his future in the sport has adopted the 35-year-old.

Smith believes such retirement discuss is redundant although, claiming: “The similar folks saying I’m completed after Eubank II have been saying I’m the finest middleweight in the world after Eubank I. How can I be completed in seven months with no fights in between?

“If I had a good camp and boxed well then lost like that, I’d have retired instantly in the ring. Me in fighting shape, I’d take on anyone in the world.”

Smith struggled to make weight after recovering from a major again damage in the lead-up to their second contest and he believes that contributed to his crushing defeat in the Eubank Jr rematch.

The former world champion has due to this fact vowed by no means to make the similar mistake once more, stating: “My battle was the scales and my condition rather than Eubank. I never had one thought process about Chris. That’s brutally honest.

“My greatest battle was making weight in that timeframe. I had 42lbs to lose in seven weeks. When have I ever gone right into a struggle and thrown that many punches? One factor I’ve all the time been good for is a 12-round struggle with an excellent engine.

“I couldn’t do nothing, I couldn’t move my feet, I also got a grade two tear in my ankle in that fight which added insult to my injuries as well which is why I’ve had a good layoff.

“I’ve got more fire in my belly because of the last efficiency. I’m damage free now, I’ve had an excellent layoff. It’s right down to me to knuckle down and get myself again in fine condition, show a couple of folks mistaken and show I’ve nonetheless got loads left to provide.

“What I want next is just to be fit and injury free. I’ll fight on my own terms this time.”

Should the trilogy fail to materialise, Smith too has a number of choices he might pursue.

Next up might be extremely rated Kazakh Janibek Alimkhanuly, who at the moment holds the WBO and IBF titles at middleweight.

“Top Rank asked me would I fight Janibek. That was before Christmas. I’d fight Janibek tomorrow, but I must be ready on my own terms. I’m not taking a fight for money,” he stated.

“Eubank is a better struggle than Janibek. I’m not going to face right here and let you know lies. Janibek is a troublesome struggle for anyone. Janibek is the finest middleweight in the world bar none. Janibek is an excellent struggle.

“Eubank won’t beat Janibek. I’ve had some good offers over the past week, very good offers. I’m feeling in a very good position again.

“First issues first, I must get myself able to struggle. I’m removed from able to struggle. Now my accidents are healed with no stress and no stress of making weight.”

Smith moved up from super-welter to middleweight, although he hasn’t ruled out the prospect of returning to his old weight class, with some big fights to be made there too.

“I can do 154lbs again,” he famous. “I just wouldn’t do 154 next because of the layoff I’ve had.”

Whether he will get a 3rd struggle with Eubank or not, Smith, who held the WBO championship at 154lbs, believes he’ll win one other world title earlier than his profession is over.

“[Magomed] Kurbanov is fighting [Israil] Madrimov for the WBA world title. You’re telling me I can’t beat Kurbanov in a rematch or Madrimov? I still fancy the Tim Tszyu fight [for the WBO super-welterweight title], a great fighter who’s getting better and better. I still fancy that fight.”