Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith predictions: World of boxing give tips ahead of huge middleweight clash
CHRIS EUBANK JR and Liam Smith meet in a middleweight clash that is dividing the boxing public.
The pair of former sparring partners-turned bitter enemies put bragging rights on the line in Manchester.
CHRIS EUBANK JR VS SMITH LIVE - UPDATES FROM MANCHESTER
Eubank, 33, is the odds-on favourite but insiders have warned not to rule out ex-world champion Smith, 34.
Here, SunSport runs down opinions from inside the boxing world ahead of the weekend's Sky Box Office bout.
Liam Williams
Perhaps the man to listen to most is Williams, 30, having shared the ring with BOTH men.
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The Welshman lost twice to Smith in 2017 and was dropped four times in a points defeat to Eubank last year.
But Williams predicted: "I think Smith is going to win.
"I think it's going to be a great fight nevertheless but I think it's a Smith points win for me."
Prediction: Smith
He added: “If he punches with spite and volume, he might even stop Liam Smith, who has been stopped before by Canelo Alvarez who is obviously a pound-for-pound fighter.
"But he can be hurt, he can be hurt to the body. If Eubank targets the body I think he might stop him.”
Prediction: Eubank
Carl Froch
Froch, 45, shared sparring rounds with Eubank like his old rival-turned friend Groves.
And the two former foes are reuniting on the night of the fight, with Froch keeping his cards close to his chest until then.
He said: "It's one I'm really looking forward to.
"I'm going to wait until I work the show with my old mate George Groves before I work out who I'm predicting to win."
Prediction: Sitting on the fence
Kell Brook
Brook, 36, retired after beating Amir Khan, also 36, last February but will be ringside awaiting the winner.
And he said: “I think it’s a good fight. It’s one I’ll definitely be watching. He’s not my cup of tea, Chris Eubank, I think we all know that.
"I want Liam Smith to win. I believe he will win. I’m basing that on he’s underestimated Liam Smith.
"Just a much better boxing brain, much better experience, the more well-rounded fighter, much better.
"But on the other hand you've got Eubank, he's quick, he's quite powerful and he's got a good chin. But his boxing ability lets him down."
Prediction: Smith
KSI
YouTuber-turned crossover boxing has trained with Eubank before.
“I think he’s just a different animal. I think he’s hungry. He’s just that suave guy who gets that win every time.”
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Prediction: Eubank