LIAM SMITH has apologised to fans after his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr was postponed for a second time.
The official announcement came this afternoon, but promoters Boxxer are still going ahead with the show on July 1.
Instead of Smith-Eubank Jr 2 the main event at Manchester AO Arena will be Savannah Marshall’s super-middleweight contest against Franchon Crews-Dezurn. Natasha Jones will feature on the undercard as will the Mark Heffron-Zak Chelli British super-middleweight title fight. There will be outings for Ben Whittaker, Callum Simpson and more.
“I’m gutted and sorry to all the fans about the postponement,” said Smith.
“I’ve always said a fully fit Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every time. I tried training through because I was desperate not to let anyone down, but I’ve had to withdraw from the bout in July following the latest medical assessment this week. I’ll heal up now and then be fully fit for later in the summer.”
Smith had originally pulled out from their original date of June 17 because of a “slight injury”.
The Liverpudlian is pleased that the July 1 show will carry on
“I wanted BOXXER to put a big card together and they more than delivered, so I’m honestly delighted that BOXXER is keeping the card on without the pay-per-view, which doesn’t always happen. I would encourage all the fans to get behind Tasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall in their world title fights, and the other fighters in a brilliant card.”
While there has been no comment from Eubank Jr his promoter Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing had this to say:
“We have been informed that Liam Smith is not fit to fight on July 1st. We are awaiting further medical reports before we announce the new date shortly.”
In February Eubank confirmed he would be taking up the rematch clause to face ‘Beefy’ once again after a crushing fourth-round defeat first time around the previous month.
For those attending on July 1 BOXXER will give out a free food and beverage voucher for every fight fan at Manchester’s AO Arena on July 1st + priority access and discount for rescheduled Smith vs Eubank II event.