WBO Champion: The WBO world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly will be Liam Smith’s opponent, although there are also possibilities for a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr.
Smith, the former WBO super-welterweight champion, stopped Eubank Jr. in the fourth round last month in Manchester and has since established himself as an opponent for the undefeated Alimkhanuly.
The WBO has “given 30 days to both boxers to negotiate an agreement,” but Smith has already agreed to fight Eubank Jr., who has triggered a rematch clause.
Smith first won a world title at 154 pounds in October 2015 by defeating John Thompson for the vacant crown. He then made two successful defences before being deposed by Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September 2016. Smith has won 33 of his 37 professional fights with three losses and a draw.
After losing on controversial points to Russia’s Magomed Kurbanov in May 2021 in Ekaterinburg, the 34-year-old has won his past four fights.
In August of last year, Kazakhstan’s Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8KOs) was promoted from interim WBO champion to world title holder. In November, he made his maiden defence against Britain’s Denzel Bentley and won by unanimous decision.
What will happen next in the Eubank Jr. rematch?
Although Eubank Jr.’s contract for the Smith bout included a rematch clause, he always had the option of compelling another fight with his adversary; earlier this month, confirmation of a rematch was made public.
Eubank Jr. posted on social media, “This morning I activated the rematch clause via my attorneys and communicated to my promoters.”
The location of Smith vs. Eubank Jr. 2 had been mentioned as Anfield, the home of Liverpool football club.
The chance exists, according to Smith’s promoter Ben-Shalom, “if we can make sure the event takes place near enough to the last game of the season, which I assume is on the weekend of [May] 21.”
“That would be the end of May if we were able to get Anfield.”
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