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Boxing

Liam Smith names three fights - and two world champions - he wants next

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DAZN
Published by Alexander Netherton
25, Jan 24
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Liam Smith is open to two world championship fights, as he waits for news on a potential Chris Eubank Jr. trilogy rematch.

The second fight ended in victory for Eubank Jr. to level the series, as he secured a 10th-round stoppage victory in September.

Smith claimed he was suffering with an injury in the build-up that hampered his training, and there have been rumblings of a third fight ever since.

Eubank has yet to alight on a follow-up opponent, and his proposed fight with Conor Benn seems no closer to being announced.

"I think it's probably obvious what I want next. I'd love a third fight with Eubank if he doesn't get the Conor Benn fight or whatever it might be," he told Sky Sports.

He downplayed the manner of his last defeat, adding: "The same people saying I'm finished after Eubank II were saying I'm the best middleweight in the world after Eubank I. How can I be finished in seven months with no fights in between?

"If I had a good camp and boxed well then lost like that, I'd have retired instantly in the ring. Me in fighting shape, I'd take on anyone in the world."

He gave more details on the back injury in training, saying: "My battle was the scales and my condition rather than Eubank. I never had one thought process about Chris. That's brutally honest.

"My biggest battle was making weight in that timeframe. I had 42lbs to lose in seven weeks. When have I ever gone into a fight and thrown that many punches? One thing I've always been good for is a 12-round fight with a good engine.

"I couldn't do nothing, I couldn't move my feet, I also got a grade two tear in my ankle in that fight which added insult to my injuries as well which is why I've had a good layoff.

"I've got more fire in my belly because of the last performance. I'm injury free now, I've had a good layoff. It's down to me to knuckle down and get myself back in good shape, prove a few people wrong and prove I've still got a lot left to give.

"What I want next is just to be fit and injury free. I'll fight on my own terms this time."

Another option is Janibek Alimkhanuly, the WBO and IBF champion.

"Top Rank asked me would I fight Janibek. That was before Christmas. I'd fight Janibek tomorrow, but I must be ready on my own terms. I'm not taking a fight for money.

"Eubank is an easier fight than Janibek. I'm not going to stand here and tell you lies. Janibek is a tough fight for anybody. Janibek is the best middleweight in the world bar none. Janibek is a very good fight.

"Eubank won't beat Janibek. I've had some good offers over the past week, very good offers. I'm feeling in a very good position again.

"First things first, I need to get myself ready to fight. I'm far from ready to fight. Now my injuries are healed with no stress and no pressure of making weight."

Turning to the 154lbs division, he then picked out a couple more belts he could target.

He said: "[Magomed] Kurbanov is fighting [Israil] Madrimov for the WBA world title. You're telling me I can't beat Kurbanov in a rematch or Madrimov? I still fancy the Tim Tszyu fight [for the WBO super-welterweight title], a great fighter who's getting better and better. I still fancy that fight."

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