Round threepublished at 23:08 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Liam Smith is yet to show his hand as he sits behind his defence and allows Eubank Jr to tire himself
Summary
Liam Smith beats British rival Chris Eubank Jr with stunning fourth-round stoppage
Smith floors Eubank Jr twice before referee ends middleweight contest at Manchester Arena
Duo embrace after fight having traded nasty comments during week
"He's got a great chin but I said all week he can't handle me," says Smith
"If the fans want to see a rematch, we can get it on at Anfield," says Eubank
Eubank had been unbeaten since 2018 and had never been stopped before
Unbeaten cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe stops Poland's Krzysztof Glowacki in fourth round
Ekow Essuman and Joseph Parker also win undercard fights
Round threepublished at 23:08 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Smith holding backpublished at 23:07 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports ExtraEubank still missing wildly with shots.
Liam isn't letting his hands go because he knows if he misses he could get caught with something.
Postpublished at 23:05 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
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End of twitter post 3Round twopublished at 23:05 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Chris Eubank Jr jumps off his stool for the start of the second round and he fires a right hand through Liam Smith's defence.
His movement is sharp and he is throwing more than the Liverpudlian, but he isn't really troubling Smith too much.
Image source, Reuters'Cagey and tense'published at 23:03 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Sports ExtraCagey and tense like we expected Chris Eubank Jr let his hands go and missed a few times.
It's going to take him some time to settle down.
I've liked everything I've seen so far form Liam Smith.
Round onepublished at 23:01 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Liam Smith lands the first real shot with a short right hand to the head.
Chris Eubank Jr misses with the jab and Smith connects. It's met by a roar from the stands.
Not much in it.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:57 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
#bbcboxing or text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply)
This won't even be close. Eubank is levels above Smith who is domestic level only. Only question is whether Eubank does it in style.
Jody, Cardiff
For it has to be Eubank Jr. He's got the heart, the hustle and the muscle.
Xavier, Clerkenwell
Boxers ready...published at 22:56 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
The preparations are done, the robes are stripped and the time for talking is over.
It's Chris Eubank Jr against Liam Smith in front of a packed out Manchester Arena.
Strap yourselves in...
'Who ya got?'published at 22:53 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
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End of twitter post 3Eubank Jr keeps them waitingpublished at 22:52 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
As Chris Eubank Jr's name is announced on the speaker, boos roll out across the stands.
The Brighton man is about to make his ring walk.
But first, time for a bit more anticipation as the music starts but the camera pans to his changing room with the door closed. It eventually opens after a second knock.
The fans will have to wait a little longer for his entrance...
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 22:50 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
#bbcboxing or text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply)
This is a tough fight to call. I believe Smith is the better boxer and is proven at world level; Eubank is the bigger man and can punch harder. The maths probably says a Smith win on points, but maths doesn't count for desire; Eubank hasn't been a 'big-four' world champion and if he doesn't win this, I don't think he ever gets a title shot again. Against my better judgement, I'm picking him to do the business tonight by decision.
Matt, London
Smith takes his placepublished at 22:48 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Liam Smith is the first man to make his way to the ring.
The Liverpudlian seems to have the backing of the majority of the fans inside the Manchester Arena. How many times could you say that line..?
The noise is deafening.
Image source, PA MediaTune in!published at 22:45 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
BBC Radio 5 LiveAs well as reading this thrilling live text, remember you can now listen to all of the action on BBC Radio 5 Live...
Happy listening!
It's a 'fascinating fight'published at 22:44 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Joe Gallagher
Boxing trainer on BBC Radio 5 Sports ExtraThis is a fascinating fight.
I think Liam Smith has the better defence, better boxing IQ and ability, but Chris Eubank Jr has the speed and power.
We're all setpublished at 22:44 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
"Aaaaand sooooo Sally can wait.."
The Manchester Arena is at full volume and there's not an empty seat in the house as the classics ring out over the speaker.
If you're not excited by this, it might be a good time to click elsewhere!
'Eubank a chunky favourite'published at 22:41 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
George Groves
Former super-middleweight world championI can imagine Smith is mentally very tough but physically I don't know. I make Eubank a chunky favourite but it's definitely a banana skin.
'Eubank an exceptional fighter'published at 22:39 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
David Haye
Former world heavyweight championI think Chris Eubank Jr is an exceptional fighter. I don't think he's been able to express how good he is. I'm expecting him to go in there fully loaded because Liam is the guy to really bring the best out of him.
Media caption, Chris Eubank Jr v Liam Smith: 'He's got a granite chin' - David Haye backs Eubank Jr
'Smith on points'published at 22:37 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Natasha Jonas
First female British Olympic boxerLiam Smith on points. The first four rounds will be the most telling for Eubank, he needs to build up a lead. We know that Liam comes back strong. Down the home straight he's been there a million times and gets better as the fight goes on.
We saw that against Fowler and in his last fight against Vargas. We know that's coming, so how you start is imperative and it has to be a good start. If you think you're going to start slow and try and work him out, that's not going to happen because he's going to work you out first.
'I slightly favour Eubank'published at 22:35 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
Andy Lee
Former middleweight world championIt could go either way. I slightly favour Eubank but I can see a win for Smith as well.
Postpublished at 22:33 Greenwich Mean Time 21 January 2023
Eubank Jr v Smith
So who wins this fight..?
Time to hear from some big names in the game...