Eubank vs Smith LIVE: Results from rematch after late TKO

Chris Eubank Jr gained revenge against Liam Smith on Saturday, stopping his rival as the Britons returned to the scene of their first clash.

Smith dropped Eubank Jr twice at Manchester’s AO Arena in January before the referee waved off the middleweight bout, but the boxers’ roles were reversed on Saturday. In the same building, it was Eubank Jr who dropped Smith twice before securing a TKO in the 10th round.

Eubank Jr, 33, looked the slicker fighter all night, switching targets between the head and body while picking his shots wisely. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Smith looked languid and was watching rounds slip away from the first bell. The first knockdown came in the fourth round – the frame in which their first fight ended – as Smith was dropped to a knee and smartly spat out his mouthguard to buy time. In fact, he bought more than he might have imagined, briefly quelling Eubank Jr’s momentum.

When the action resumed, Eubank Jr sought a finish but – as it eluded him – he elected patience as the bout wore on. In the 10th round, however, he put down Smith again with a left hook after a fast start to the round. Smith let out a deep breath as he rose to beat the referee’s count, with blood trickling from a cut above his right eye. The Liverpudlian was only delaying the inevitable, however, as Eubank Jr backed him up to the ropes and unloaded shots, overwhelming Smith. Eventually, referee Kevin Parker stepped in to wave off the fight, sealing Eubank Jr’s redemption.

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Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

• Chris Eubank Jr stopped Liam Smith in Round 10 of rematch

• Eubank Jr avenged TKO loss to Smith, who beat him in January

• Rematch took place in same venue as first bout, Manchester’s AO Arena

• Eubank Jr dropped Smith in Round 4 and Round 10

• Referee waved off fight moments after second knockdown

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 00:22 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr gained revenge against Liam Smith on Saturday, stopping his rival as the Britons returned to the scene of their first clash.

Smith dropped Eubank Jr twice at Manchester’s AO Arena in January before the referee waved off the middleweight bout, but the boxers’ roles were reversed on Saturday. In the same building, it was Eubank Jr who dropped Smith twice before securing a TKO in the 10th round.

Eubank Jr, 33, looked the slicker fighter all night, switching targets between the head and body while picking his shots wisely. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Smith looked languid and was watching rounds slip away from the first bell.

The first knockdown came in the fourth round – the frame in which their first fight ended – as Smith was dropped to a knee and smartly spat out his mouthguard to buy time. In fact, he bought more than he might have imagined, briefly quelling Eubank Jr’s momentum.

When the action resumed, Eubank Jr sought a finish but – as it eluded him – he elected patience as the bout wore on. In the 10th round, however, he put down Smith again with a left hook after a fast start to the round. Smith let out a deep breath as he rose to beat the referee’s count, with blood trickling from a cut above his right eye.

The Liverpudlian was only delaying the inevitable, however, as Eubank Jr backed him up to the ropes and unloaded shots, overwhelming Smith. Eventually, referee Kevin Parker stepped in to wave off the fight, sealing Eubank Jr’s redemption.

Full report:

Chris Eubank Jr banishes demons by stopping Liam Smith to cap off slick showing

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 10:52 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 10:51 , Alex Pattle

While Roy Jones Jr, who coached Eubank Jr in his first fight with Smith, looked poised to throw in the towel before the referee stepped in, Eubank Jr vowed that there would be no chance of that happening on Saturday.

“We are not going to look for the easy way out,” he said on Thursday. “If it gets rough, if it gets hairy, we are there for the long haul. We are going to get through it. If there is going to be a towel involved in this fight, it will definitely be coming from the other corner.”

There were no towels needed last night.

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 00:40 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 00:26 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 00:17 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Sunday 3 September 2023 00:10 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:57 , Alex Pattle

The finish officially came at 1:45 in Round 10.

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:51 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr: “I wanna fight GGG. I don’t know where you are, Gennady [Golovkin], but wherever you are, you’ve been holding onto those belts too long. I wanna take one.”

Smith says he was too flat tonight, and that he rolled his ankle early in the fight.

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:50 , Alex Pattle

Eubak Jr: “I’m not a bad guy. I know I got booed when I came in here, there’s a few cheers now – which I appreciate. I’m turning a few people around.”

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:49 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr: “It had to be [revenge], I had no other choice. There are too many other big fights out there for me that the fans wanna see me in – and that I wanna be involved in.

“Liam is a warrior, I respect him and his whole team, his family – his brothers. He fought until the last second. Big up to Liam and his team.

“What happened tonight was supposed to happen in January, but it wasn’t my night.

“I’m coming for you Conor [Benn], I’m coming for you Kell [Brook, who is ringside].”

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:45 , Alex Pattle

Smith applauds Eubank Jr, and the opponents shake hands.

Chris Eubank Jr stops Liam Smith in Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:45 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:41 , Alex Pattle

Smith beats the referee’s count, letting out a deep breath as he does so.

Eubank Jr is going for the finish once more... he’s unloading offence, with Smith backed up to the ropes...

AND IT’S WAVED OFF! REDEMPTION FOR EUBANK JR!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 10

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:40 , Alex Pattle

Three rounds to go.

OH! A left hand lands for Eubank Jr, and Smith wobbles away! The Liverpudlian is bleeding around his right eye.

Eubank Jr with two hard, hard jabs. He now goes to the body, then lands a left hook upstairs, and down goes Smith!!!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 9

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:38 , Alex Pattle

Smith looks rather despondent in his corner ahead of the ninth frame.

Good right cross from him, though!

But Eubank Jr comes right back with a flurry!

Eubank Jr with a cross then a power jab, good stuff. He curls a right hook into the mid-section of Smith.

Grazing right cross from Eubank Jr as he steps into range. Sharp one-two now!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 8

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:34 , Alex Pattle

Decent left hook by Smith. Eubank Jr tries to put him on the back foot.

Simultaneous jabs land for the Britons. Eubank Jr with another jab, then a glancing right cross as he steps in.

Uppercut attempt by Eubank Jr now, partially blocked. A hammer of a left hook to the body by Eubank Jr.

A fair amount of grappling ensues. Eubank Jr with a right hook off the break. A right cross this time, and Smith stumbles backwards.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 7

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:30 , Alex Pattle

The middleweights trade jabs, with Eubank Jr getting the better of Smith in the exchange.

Another stiff jab by Eubank Jr – to the head after targeting the body.

More sharp jabs after a couple of mean hooks to the body.

Smith jabs to the body. Eubank Jr with two left hooks – one low, one high. Smith has stumbled a few times; it seems he may have an ankle issue... Hard to say.

Some fine uppercuts by Eubank Jr late in the round, then a right cross! Smith tries to fire back, but he can’t connect clean!

The boxers trade words after the bell...

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 6

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:26 , Alex Pattle

Brutal rear uppercut by Eubank Jr, jolting back the head of Smith.

Now a one-two from Eubank Jr, who follows up with a left hook to the body. He’s had some very slick moments in this fight.

Eubank Jr flicks out a series of jabs, with the first few doing little but the fourth landing clean.

Now he jabs to the body. Smith tries to counter over the top, but to no avail.

Smith is letting these rounds slip away...

He connects with a decent overhand right now, though!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:23 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 5

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:22 , Alex Pattle

Hard right hook by Eubank Jr! He’s going for the finish early in this round! He backs up Smith to the ropes and unloads hooks to the head and body!

He’s not landing too much clean... but the referee is keeping a close eye on this. Smith occasionally looks for counter shots, then he finally clinches and grins at the crowd! There’s a great cheer.

The boxers separate, and Eubank Jr elects to bide his time here. He’s arguably up 40-35, having possibly won each round including a 10-8 in the last frame.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 4

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:18 , Alex Pattle

Grazing left hook lands for Eubank Jr, who then brilliantly switches targets between the head and body with speed!

Another left hook lands for Eubank Jr, this time cleaner, and Smith stumbles again!

Eubank Jr leaps in with a lead uppercut, but it’s off-target. He doesn’t need to take those risks...

Jab on point for Eubank Jr. And again. And again.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 4

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:16 , Alex Pattle

Nice combination from Eubank Jr to start the fourth round, and he then hammers another uppercut and hook onto the chin of Smith!

OH!!! More shots, and Smith goes down, taking a knee!

He spits his gumshield out. Veteran move by Smith, and it buys him a lot of time!

He’s back on his feet, but he’s on slightly wobbly legs as the action resumes, with Eubank Jr seeking a finish while trying not to overcommit!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 3

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:13 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr is using his jab well. Nice uppercut to the body now. An uppercut to the head, too, and a good left hook.

Smith covers up during that spell, trying to stay composed. Hard right hook by Eubank Jr in a clinch now.

More uppercut attempts by Eubank Jr. Most are blocked, but just when Smith thinks his opponent has halted the assault, Eubank Jr throws one more and lands clean!

Eubank Jr is wisely holding something back when he throws these shots, not pouring too much power into them.

He burrows a left hook into the body now.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 2

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:10 , Alex Pattle

Smith takes the centre of the ring. Eubank Jr with a jab to keep him at bay, and Smith responds with a jab to the body.

Eubank Jr is wearing shorts with the name Sebastian on the back – a tribute to his late brother.

More grappling here, with Smith almost landing a forearm in close. Good work from Eubank Jr after the boxers separate – he leads with a jab and adds a hook.

Decent uppercut from Eubank Jr now. Smith blocks a jab with his high guard.

Eubank Jr jabs to the body. He doubles it up now. Smith squeezes an uppercut into the clinch. Smith blocks a one-two.

Ooo! Eubank Jr lands a short shot, and Smith goes down! But it’s rightly ruled a push by Eubank Jr...

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Round 1

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:05 , Alex Pattle

The referee orders the fighters to touch gloves, and they oblige.

A roar from the crowd greets the opening bell. There is a huge-fight feel around this rematch.

Both fighters stand orthodox. Eubank Jr with a couple of decent hooks in close, after slipping jabs by Smith on two occasions.

There’s a fair bit of holding early on, with both Britons looking to work in the clinch.

Ooo... That looked like an accidental elbow from Eubank Jr at close range – ironic as he accused Smith of elbowing him in the moments before the TKO in their first fight.

The referee warns both fighters over the scrappy start. Eubank Jr misses with an uppercut.

More holding ensues.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:02 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 23:01 , Alex Pattle

It’s time! Twelve rounds scheduled at middleweight! Here we go!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Main-event ring walks

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:56 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Main-event ring walks

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:56 , Alex Pattle

Now here comes Liverpudlian Smith.

The 35-year-old has a pro record of 33-3-1 (20 KOs), and he is a former WBO super-welterweight champion.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Main-event ring walks

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:48 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the ring walks.

Out first... Chris Eubank Jr, to the sound of boos, unsurprisingly! Also to the sound of “Still Dre” by Dr Dre.

The Brighton fighter is 33 years old and has a pro record of 32-3 (23 KOs).

Eubank Jr, son of British boxing great Chris Eubank, is a former two-time IBO super-middleweight champion, and a former two-time WBA interim middleweight champion.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Heated press conference ahead of rematch

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:40 , Alex Pattle

Smith and Eubank Jr debated the latter’s ‘intelligence’ as a boxer on Thursday, as the Britons engaged in a heated press conference.

Smith took exception to a claim by Eubank Jr’s new coach, Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, who suggested that Eubank Jr is an ‘intelligent fighter’.

“You class Chris as an intelligent fighter? That is one thing Chris is not,” said Smith.

“I’m definitely more intelligent than you, my friend,” responded Eubank Jr.

Smith replied: “Results speak for themselves! You are trying to convince people you’re intelligent? You’ve been fit, you’ve been durable, you have an engine, but you’ve never been classed as intelligent.”

Eubank Jr hit back: “You have one form of fighting, I have many, so if we are going to talk about intelligence, there is no competition.”

More here:

Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith in heated debate over decisive factor in rematch

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Liam Smith interview

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:37 , Alex Pattle

“A lot people used to think Chris was getting under my skin,” Smith told The Independent. “I don’t lose sleep over Chris, he doesn’t change my day. Me and Chris’s personalities... Somebody with Chris’s persona is just someone I wouldn’t get on with in any form of life.

“I just don’t like them type of divas, who think everything’s got to revolve around them. In the build-up to the last fight, we were waiting on him a lot with promotion stuff, head-to-heads. It was on Sky Sports Box Office and the people trying to produce the advert were asking us, ‘Can you meet in the middle of the ring and touch gloves with two hands?’ He was like: ‘No, I don’t touch gloves with two hands.’

“He was just being a nuisance, petty, spoilt, a diva. I just thought: ‘It’s nothing to me, you’re not doing my head in, but these people are trying to do a promotion. You know what you signed up for, just do it.’ He was just a nightmare – for other people really; I didn’t give a s*** about it.”

Exclusive interview in full:

Liam Smith: ‘Chris Eubank Jr is a nightmare – not for me, for other people’

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr interview

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:36 , Alex Pattle

“I wasn’t upset, disappointed; I was pissed off,” Eubank Jr told The Independent recently, recalling the end of the first fight.

“It wasn’t like I got my ass kicked for three rounds and then got knocked out; I was dominating the fight, then I made a mistake and got caught. I was pissed off at myself, pissed off at the referee for not giving me the chance to continue. Whether he was right or wrong, as a grizzled veteran I don’t feel the need to be saved by a referee.

“[But] when I watched the replay back in the changing room, I said to everybody: ‘I’ll take that.’ As in, if I was ever gonna get stopped, that’s the way I’d want it: on my feet, demanding they let me continue. I can accept that, I can sleep at night. I couldn’t sleep at night if I’m getting the 10 count and I can’t get up, or if I’m telling the referee, ‘No, [I can’t continue]’.”

Exclusive interview in full:

Chris Eubank Jr on Liam Smith, adrenalin, and how to be ‘box office’

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Steve Bunce preview

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:34 , Steve Bunce

This fight has nothing to do with any parts of Smith and Eubank Jr’s colourful fighting history; this is just about repeat or revenge. The last time, the build-up was ugly and personal and this time it is just strictly business. Smith knows he can knock out Eubank Jr, and Eubank Jr knows he can be knocked out. It was, trust me, a revelation to both boxers the way their first fight ended.

Eubank Jr has conveniently claimed that he is a different man under his new coach’s glare, a smarter and better-prepared fighter. He will need to be because, in the first fight, Smith was in control and looked in control. Sure, there was nothing in the fight up until the point where Smith trapped Eubank Jr in a corner and let his hands go. Eubank Jr slumped to the canvas, regained his feet, was dropped again and then got up one more time and was ready, so he claimed, to continue. He was not, it had to be stopped and that is where tonight’s fight starts.

The bad blood remains, the bragging rights are clear and the motive for revenge could not be any higher. At a time of pandering and preening YouTube boxers, crossover fights that only make sense at the bank, this second instalment is genuinely an old-school fight.

Full preview:

Eubank Jr, Smith and the revelation that changed everything

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Main event ring walks

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:26 , Alex Pattle

Next up, the main event ring walks...

It’s finally time for Smith vs Eubank Jr 2.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim def. Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:23 , Alex Pattle

Adam Azim def. Aram Faniian via unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 98-92).

A comfortable win on the cards, though Azim will have learnt from that fight.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:19 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Final round! Faniian has a second wind, it seems; he’s pressing forward.

Azim catches the Ukrainian on the end of a right cross.

Faniian walks onto a short jab from Azim, who then buries a left hook into Faniian’s ribs.

Azim parries a jab now, before Faniian overcommits to an entry and is almost lifted up by his opponent.

Azim is on course to go 10 rounds for the second fight in a row.

He backs up Faniian and lands a right cross and left hook. Again Azim sneaks a left hook in, this time after a one-two.

And we go to the scorecards.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:15 , Alex Pattle

Round 9

Nice footwork from Azim to avoid two left hooks from Faniian.

Azim with a left hook of his own, landing to the body. Decent counter hook by Faniian.

The super-lightweights are warned for leading with their heads.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:11 , Alex Pattle

Round 8

Azim with a rare left hook to the body. Now he backs up Faniian and throws a right hook to the body.

Azim begins to increase the pressure, and Faniian appears a bit perturbed; he’s covering up – not especially well – and now throwing much back!

Azim has Faniian against the ropes and is picking his moments to unload straight punches. Good left hook from Azim, as Faniian circles away but remains on the ropes.

Another solid left hook from Azim, who now jabs to the body. Short right cross from Azim.

That was Azim’s best round by far!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:07 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

McGuigan tells Azim to counter Faniian’s jumping left hook with a right cross. Sound advice.

Azim darts into range for a jab to the midriff, then retreats swiftly.

Azim is backing up now, trying to lure Faniian into opening up, but the Ukrainian is not taking the bait.

Decent right hook by Azim on the counter, as he steps back to evade Faniian.

Now he changes tack, getting on the front foot and backing up Faniian.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:03 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

This has been a close fight. We enter its second half.

Faniian with a leaping left hook that finds the mark. He blocks a strong right cross from Azim.

Azim lands a jab to the body, then evades a winging hook attempt. He marches down Faniian and dodges the Ukrainian’s wild counter efforts.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 22:00 , Alex Pattle

Backstage, Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr are having their hands wrapped...

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:59 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

It gets a little messy, as Faniian once again dives forward and seemingly causes a clash of heads. Azim then throws a punch to the back of Faniian’s head in the clinch.

Faniian now lands a short right hook, but he simultaneously leans into Azim’s own right hand.

Azim with a decent one-two. He parries a jab now, before probing with straight shots – none of which are quite on target.

Faniian misses with a left hook upstairs but lands a grazing right hook.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:55 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Azim tags Faniian with a short left hook, as Faniian crouches and lunges into range – as he’s done so many times tonight.

Now it’s Azim who lunges forward, again using his left hook. Faniian partially blocks it, but his face is sporting some redness at this point.

Faniian eats a solid right hook, then both men land simultaneously! Their chins hold up well!

Nice footwork from Azim to narrowly evade danger at the end of the round.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:51 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Faniian is edging forward, just about remaining on the front foot. Azim is happy to shuffle back and fire out jabs, though.

Azim just misses with a winging left hook. It fizzes past Faniian’s face.

OH! Hard left hook from Faniian, as Azim lets go with a right hand! Azim stumbles a little after that!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:47 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

A jumping left hook is just wide of the mark for Faniian, as Azim slips off the centre line. Again, though, Azim’s counter right isn’t quite accurate enough.

Azim is shuffling back and forth with his usual wide stance. Faniian again jumps in to close range, and Azim complains to the referee about a clash of heads.

Azim jabs to the body. He still can’t quite time his right cross. He lands a jab upstairs, however.

His coach, Shane McGuigan, is shadow-boxing and shouting instructions at ringside.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:43 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Azim’s lightning speed is already on display with his jab.

Faniian backs up Azim but misses with a lunging jab to the body.

Faniian appears to catch Azim on the end of a left hook to the head now.

He misses with his next effort, but Azim’s counter right – a chopping, downwards shot – is also off-target.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:39 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:38 , Alex Pattle

This one is scheduled for 10 three-minute rounds, with Azim entering at 8-0, 6 KOs.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:35 , Alex Pattle

Now here comes Azim.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:35 , Alex Pattle

Ukrainian Faniian emerges with his name on the big LED screen as ‘Fanyan’. I’ve seen it spelt both ways, as well as ‘Faniyan’ – but most commonly as Faniian, so we’ll stick with that tonight!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:30 , Alex Pattle

Azim vs Faniian is moments away.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:17 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Adam Azim looks to stay unbeaten as he boxes Aram Faniian.

Want to learn a bit more about Azim? Well, here’s his promoter, Ben Shalom, with a chilling statement uttered with the most flattering of intentions: “We’re dealing with a freak.”

“He looks at a lot of the world champions and believes that he would beat them in his next fight,” Shalom told The Independent, unquestionably serious, his eyes shark-like. “And Shane [McGuigan, coach] believes that. This is not a joke.

“It’s high-risk, low-reward [for opponents]. I cannot tell you how feared this guy is; there’s world champions right now who would no way take a fight with him, even on a full camp’s notice, and I know that for a fact. We’re dealing with a freak, we’re dealing with a talent that you don’t see very often.”

More from Shalom below, and words from Azim himself:

‘We’re dealing with a freak’: Meet Adam Azim, the 21-year-old scaring world champions

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke def. David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:12 , Alex Pattle

Frazer Clarke def. David Allen via sixth-round TKO (3:00).

Clarke raises Allen’s hand, and Allen returns the favour. It’s a display of mutual respect, but Allen still seems somewhat aggravated.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:11 , Alex Pattle

What’s gone on here?! Allen retires after the round, in his corner!!

He seems to be struggling with a jaw issue...

He congratulates Clarke but also has a bit of a go at him...

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:09 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

Oh, no... Clarke is docked a point for another low blow. AND ANOTHER, moments later!

Clarke seems to be leading this fight, but he can’t make any more mistakes now! Those docked points could have a real impact if this fight goes the distance.

Now Allen turns to the referee after a cross to the body by Clarke, but that was definitely legal, and the referee agrees.

Harsh uppercut by Clarke, right through Allen’s guard and onto the chin!

Oh, my word... AGAIN the fight is stopped due to an apparent low blow by Clarke. He’s not docked a point this time, but he is given a lecture by the referee. Clarke just needs to stop targeting the body; it’s not worth the risk!

He doesn’t quit, though. He slams a hook into the body, then attacks the head. Allen fires back.

OH! Massive right cross to the head from Clarke! What an end to a tough round for him.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:04 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 21:03 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Again Clarke makes the most of his size in the clinch.

One minute into this round, and it’s been all grappling so far. Allen is warned for using his shoulder in the clinch.

Now Clarke is warned for something. Both fighters’ heads are in almost constant contact.

The crowd is getting a litttttle bit restless in Manchester.

Clarke with a couple of strong right uppercuts.

Again Clarke is warned over an apparent low blow. His left eye is dripping a slim streak blood, likely from a clash of heads – although it could have come from Allen.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:59 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

More grappling, with Clarke using his height and size to steer Allen around the ring.

Clarke troubles Allen with a body shot – but was it low? The referee didn’t have a good view.

Allen continues to wince, even after weathering the worst of that spell. He lands a solid overhand right now.

That shot is on point for Allen again, though there’s not a lot of power on it.

Clarke fires a jab from his hip on repeat.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:55 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Allen makes an aggressive start to this round, before he’s popped with a double-jab to the face.

Overhand right to the head, left hook to the body by Allen, as he backs up Clarke into a corner.

Clarke stays composed and circles out, reversing the position.

The heavyweights move back into space. They briefly grapple, before Allen lands a good jab.

Clarke with a one-two to the body, but the hooks are deemed too low by the referee.

The action soon resumes, and Clarke lands a good uppercut. Allen then lands a late shot in the clinch, after the official calls on the fighters to stop, and it’s Allen who is warned now.

Clarke also has a few stern words for him.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:51 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Clarke misses with an uppercut. He now swings a right hook to the mid-section of Allen, who comes forward nonetheless.

He corners Clarke, and both men land shots simultaneously. The Britons move into the centre of the ring and clinch briefly.

Clarke with a decent punch off the break. Each man lands a jab at the same time. Clarke wraps a right hook around Allen’s guard.

There’s a bit more grappling, before the fighters are separated.

Allen backs up Clarke and lands a jab. Another sharp jab from Allen.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:47 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Clarke marches forward early. He throws a one-two – hooks off both wings – but Allen covers up to reduce the impact.

Mainly, though, Clarke is fighting behind the jab early on. Allen looks a little wary, but he comes forward now, using his own jab.

Both heavyweights feint. Allen with a snapping jab, which jolts back Clarke’s head a little. Clarke with a slick jab of his own. And another.

Now Allen lands his jab again! Clarke burrows a lead left hook into the body of Allen, who then blocks a right hand upstairs.

A couple more stiff jabs by Clarke to end the round.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:43 , Alex Pattle

Here we go, 10 three-minute rounds scheduled!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:42 , Alex Pattle

A great reaction for Allen; not so much for Clarke!

“Big Fraze” is looking to stay unbeaten, entering this bout with a pro record of 7-0 (5 KOs).

He’s striding around the ring with a smile on his face.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:39 , Alex Pattle

Clarke is a former training partner of Anthony Joshua, and he told The Independent what it’s really like to get punched by “AJ”...

This is what it’s really like to get punched by Anthony Joshua

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Frazer Clarke vs David Allen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:38 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Team GB Olympic bronze medalist Frazer Clarke takes on David Allen at heavyweight!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Jack Cullen def. Mark Heffron

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:34 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:33 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:26 , Alex Pattle

Three fights left tonight!

Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr (middleweight)

Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian (super-lightweight)

Frazer Clarke vs David Allen (heavyweight)

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Jack Cullen def. Mark Heffron

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:15 , Alex Pattle

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Jack Cullen def. Mark Heffron

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:10 , Alex Pattle

Jack Cullen def. Mark Heffron via third-round KO (2:43).

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mark Heffron vs Jack Cullen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:06 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Heffron stays on the front foot, but Cullen jabs his way off the ropes with a stinging shot!

Heffron with a heavy left hook now. Cullen jabs to the body; Heffron does the same.

Cullen misses with a jab upstairs, but Heffron’s lands immediately after.

OH! CULLEN ABSOLUTELY FOLDS HEFFRON! Right hook first, but it’s the left hook that sends Heffron spinning and falling!

Heffron quickly hauls himself to his feet, but he’s still very, very unsteady! The referee gives the champion a standing count, but Heffron collapses to his knees!

It’s waved off! And new!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mark Heffron vs Jack Cullen

Saturday 2 September 2023 20:02 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Good counter jab by Cullen as Heffron marches forward.

Now Heffron digs a left hook into the body of Cullen, who responds with a hook to the head.

Heffron misses with a flurry of wild shots, putting himself off balance. Both fighters land body hooks.

Stark jab by Heffron, who then seems to catch Cullen on the end of a cross, as Cullen is backed up against the ropes.

Heffron aims a left hook a little too low; he loaded up on that one, and it could’ve done real damage.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mark Heffron vs Jack Cullen

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:58 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Cullen jabs to the body.

Heffron doubles his own jab, moving in and out of range quickly. In doing so, he evades a right cross from the taller Cullen.

Heffron is just off the mark with a left hook. He eventually finds it, although it’s only partially on target.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mark Heffron vs Jack Cullen

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:55 , Alex Pattle

Here we go, 12 three-minute rounds scheduled!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mark Heffron vs Jack Cullen

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:48 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Mark Heffron defends the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight title against ex-training partner Jack Cullen.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer def. Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:38 , Alex Pattle

Mayer: “It felt good. My first time at a heavier weight, but that’s where I belong.

“Props to my opponent, she’s a strong girl. I did everything I could to get her out, I think I had her hurt a couple times.”

Mayer also mentions Natasha Jonas, saying: “I’m ready for that fight, I’ve been preparing my body to go up. It takes time to undo what I did, keeping my body at that weight for so many years, but I’m prepared to go up and take on Natasha Jonas right away.”

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer def. Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:35 , Alex Pattle

Mikaela Mayer def. Silvia Bortot via decision (100-90).

It’s a clean sweep in favour of Mayer. That’s probably fair, though there were a few close rounds in there.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:32 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Final round! The fighters touch gloves.

Slick counter jab by Mayer as Bortot comes forward.

Mayer is just wide of the mark with a cross, but her jab lands on repeat.

Bortot catches Mayer at close range, but the American keeps her composure and targets the body.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:29 , Alex Pattle

Round 9

Good head movement from Mayer after she unloads a few heavy hooks.

More nice work from the American, who is switching targets well between the head and body.

Mayer is warned for throwing one body shot too low, however.

Clean right cross from Bortot now.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:26 , Alex Pattle

Round 8

Three rounds to go. Both women let their hands go before briefly holding.

Swift right uppercut by Mayer, thrown from the hip. It snaps back Bortot’s head.

Bortot is just looking a little laboured in her movement and output now.

She’s tagged by a hard left hook in the final seconds of the round.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:23 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Bortot steps in with a jab and a left hook to the body. Now she brings the left hook upstairs.

Mayer sees a right uppercut blocked, but she then throws a left uppercut, which sneaks through Bortot’s guard.

Now Mayer targets the body, leading Bortot to hold for the first time in the fight. The fighters soon separate.

Mayer walks onto a stiff right cross from Bortot, who then pummels a left hook into the body of the American.

Good jab by Mayer.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:20 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

Mayer is using that overhand right more in this round, having conditioned Bortot to lower her guard somewhat due to the body shots.

But now a slightly different pattern is emerging as the round wears on: Bortot is starting to block the overhand right, but she’s then immediately getting caught by a left hook to the body. Clever approach by Mayer.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:17 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Mayer parries a couple of straight punches from Bortot, the shorter fighter.

Mayer is focusing on using her jab at the moment. She now throws a rear uppercut at Bortot’s guard before sneaking a left hook around the top. Nice work.

Bortot with a hook to the body, but Mayer responds with two of her own.

Twice Mayer times a jab nicely, before following up with a hard overhand right! Bortot justtttt appeared to wobble slightly there!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:14 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Nice left hook from Mayer, who aims up top before throwing the same weapon to the body of Bortot.

Bortot with a right hook to the head. Mayer stalks her around the ring now.

Bortot blocks a few heavy shots from Mayer, who shows off some slick head movement to avoid a winging hook.

Mayer with a cross to the top of a crouching Bortot’s head.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:12 , Alex Pattle

Martin Green has you covered with all the best betting odds and offers around tonight’s main event:

Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr predictions: Betting preview with tips & best odds on the rematch

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:10 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Bortot misses a cross after Mayer comes forward with a few jabs.

Bortot partially blocks a cross by Mayer, who lands her next attempt.

Both fighters connect with left hooks simultaneously – Mayer to the body, Bortot to the head.

Decent uppercut by Bortot now, splitting the guard of the American. Mayer responds in kind.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:08 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Bortot backs up Mayer early in this round, unloading a series of short and teasing straight shots.

Mayer moves out of the corner and employs her left hook again, aiming it at the body and then the head of Bortot.

Good composure from the American after that initial flurry by Bortot, who now throws a pair of body hooks at Mayer – one off each wing.

Now it’s Mayer who backs up Bortot, but the Italian lands a decent counter one-two upstairs.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE: Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:05 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Mayer is fighting well behind her jab early on. She’s switching targets between the head and body, the latter of which she now attacks with a lead left hook.

Now Mayer fires a right cross onto the elbow of Bortot, who is keeping a tight guard.

I say it every time, but these two-minute rounds really fly by.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:03 , Alex Pattle

Here we go, Mayer vs Bortot! Ten two-minute rounds are scheduled here.

Natasha Jonas is on commentary...

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:02 , Alex Pattle

Speaking of Alycia Baumgardner, by the way, here’s the recent news around her:

Alycia Baumgardner refuses to stay ‘silent’ after failed drug test

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 19:00 , Alex Pattle

This is Mayer’s third straight fight in England, following two in a row in London, and she’s definitely growing in popularity on these shores.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:59 , Alex Pattle

Next up is Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot, a women’s super-lightweight fight.

Mayer is a former unified super-featherweight champion, who lost her belts to Alycia Baumgardner in a very close fight in October.

American Mayer has since bounced back from that loss – the first defeat of her pro career – with a decision win against Lucy Wildheart in April.

That fight was at lightweight, and Mayer, 33, is moving up again here as she targets a title fight with Natasha Jonas in the near future.

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:50 , Alex Pattle

Sky released the new documentary Hatton this week, which focuses on the life and career of British boxing icon Ricky Hatton.

The Independent spoke to the “Hitman” about the film, as well as the “paranoia” and “depression” that threatened to thwart his happy ending.

Thankfully, Hatton has finally found that ending.

Full interview:

Finally, Ricky Hatton has his happy ending

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:45 , Alex Pattle

The Independent also interviewed Chris Eubank Jr ahead of tonight’s rematch...

“I wouldn’t say I’m a masochist, no.” It was a reassuring start from Chris Eubank Jr, as he reflected on his defeat by Liam Smith – the first stoppage loss of his career, and an experience he says he enjoyed.

“Imagine being in a sport your entire life, thinking you’ve experienced every single thing there is, then something new happens at 33 years old,” the Briton explained to The Independent. “I’ve been fighting since I was 14, and I’ve never been buzzed like that, or had to get up, recuperate, march forward, then go back down again, get back up. I never would’ve imagined that I’d be in a position where a referee could stop a fight for me.

“So, it was new, it was crazy. Looking back on it, it was exciting. It was a huge adrenalin rush, probably the same amount of adrenalin as I would get from knocking a guy out.”

Full interview:

Chris Eubank Jr on Liam Smith, adrenalin, and how to be ‘box office’

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:40 , Alex Pattle

The Independent spoke to Liam Smith back in July. Here’s just some of what he had to say:

“A lot people used to think Chris was getting under my skin. I don’t lose sleep over Chris, he doesn’t change my day. Me and Chris’s personalities... Somebody with Chris’s persona is just someone I wouldn’t get on with in any form of life.

“I just don’t like them type of divas, who think everything’s got to revolve around them. In the build-up to the last fight, we were waiting on him a lot with promotion stuff, head-to-heads. It was on Sky Sports Box Office and the people trying to produce the advert were asking us, ‘Can you meet in the middle of the ring and touch gloves with two hands?’ He was like: ‘No, I don’t touch gloves with two hands.’

“He was just being a nuisance, petty, spoilt, a diva. I just thought: ‘It’s nothing to me, you’re not doing my head in, but these people are trying to do a promotion. You know what you signed up for, just do it.’ He was just a nightmare – for other people really; I didn’t give a s*** about it.”

Full interview:

Liam Smith: ‘Chris Eubank Jr is a nightmare – not for me, for other people’

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:34 , Steve Bunce

The last fight between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr finished in chaos and confusion back in January.

It was perhaps the only way the fight and the week could finish; there was a capacity crowd of just under 20,000 in Manchester and a ring packed with screaming people. Tonight they do it all again and this time, it is serious. Manchester is once again the venue.

Eubank Jr was dropped twice in the fourth but was up on unsteady legs, insisting he could continue, when it was called off after 69 unforgettable seconds. Eubank Jr was actually steered back to his own corner by Smith’s trainer, Joe McNally. It was an act of compassion surrounded by a night of hate and violence.

The fight was stopped at the right time.

Full preview from Steve Bunce:

Eubank Jr, Smith and the revelation that changed everything

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:27 , Alex Pattle

Florian Marku wastes no time, stopping Dylan Moran in the first round!

Eubank Jr vs Smith 2 LIVE

Saturday 2 September 2023 18:25 , Alex Pattle

Full card (subject to change; includes undercard results so far)

Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr (middleweight)

Adam Azim vs Aram Faniian (super-lightweight)

Frazer Clarke vs David Allen (heavyweight)

Mark Heffron (C) vs Jack Cullen (British super-middleweight title)

Mikaela Mayer vs Silvia Bortot (women’s super-lightweight)

Florian Marku def. Dylan Moran via TKO

Lauren Price def. Lolita Muzeya via doctor stoppage

Frankie Stringer def. Engel Gomez via decision

Who is fighting on Eubank vs Smith 2 undercard tonight?

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website