2025-11-07 12:49:31

Liam Smith thinks Conor Benn will beat Chris Eubank Jr. in their upcoming rematch.

The Destroyer, 29, will be looking for vengeance against Next Gen, 36, in their second clash on November 15 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Smith – who was defeated by Eubank Jr. in their middleweight rematch in 2023 – thinks Benn will have what it takes to claim victory.

During an appearance on talkSPORT Boxing, Beefy, 37, said: “The first fight was better than I expected. I expected Chris to win the first fight, but I thought Conor performed better than I expected.

“I think I fancy Conor [to win] a little bit more than I did the first fight, and probably if you asked me to put my money where my mouth is, I think Conor might win this one.”

Smith added he believed Benn had the technical skills to outclass Eubank Jr. in the ring.

When asked whether Benn was technically a better boxer than Next Gen, Smith said: “Yes, only because I don’t think Chris Eubank is the most technically correct fighter.

“I knew he’s a bigger man and fought his whole career at 160lbs, but I don’t think [he] is as technically good and correct to counter and exploit Conor Benn’s mistakes.”

Even so, Beefy stressed The Destroyer had to fight with his head, not his heart, as even a single emotional reaction could cost him victory – much like it had in the first clash in April.

Smith explained: “I think we are going to get along the lines of the same fight as last time.

“Whether it’s as good or as competitive as last time, I think we’re going to get the same type fight.

“Let’s have this right, it didn’t start as a war. Conor was very explosive early, and Chris was not really wanting to engage early.

“After six [rounds] Chris put his foot to the pedal and stood and had a fight with Conor. Conor tired probably because of the natural size difference with Chris.

“Chris started off on the jab, and Conor started off trying to be explosive and probably trying to nail Chris early, probably because he’d seen my fight and I hurt Chris early.

“He probably thought his best chance of hurting Chris is while he’s fresh and explosive.”

Visit Bang Premier (main website)