Liam Smith in talks over return to Matchroom

[Ruthless-RKO]

Liam Smith in talks over return to Matchroom – but not against ‘Ammo’ Williams

Contrary to speculation, Liam Smith won’t be fighting Austin “Ammo” Williams in Liverpool on January 17. The former WBO junior-middleweight champion could well see action against a different opponent, however.

Smith, 33-4-1 (20 KOs), hasn’t boxed since losing to Chris Eubank Jnr in September 2023. After dominating and stopping Eubank Jnr in the fourth round of their first meeting, he was clearly out of sorts when producing an uncharacteristically tame performance in the rematch and was halted himself in 10.

After fighting three times under Boxxer, he is a free agent. The 36 year old had been set to fight Josh Kelly at middleweight on September’s Riyadh Season promotion at Wembley Stadium but was struck down by illness and forced to withdraw just days before fight night. He has since entered talks about returning to Matchroom.

His first run with the promotional giants came to an end after his victory over Jesse Vargas in April 2022. Eddie Hearn has revealed that although negotiations about renewing their relationship are ongoing, an agreement is yet to be reached.

“No, I mean, firstly, nothing’s agreed on that date,” Hearn told BS.

“Originally, we were looking at January 18th. Obviously, Misfits are going on that date [with Tommy Fury v Darren Till] now so we may go January 17th.

“It won't be ‘Ammo’ Williams but we want a world-level operator if we do something with Liam Smith. It’s definitely not confirmed yet but we have been having discussions about a possible fight on that night.”

Smith has committed himself to another run but is only interested in meaningful fights. Williams may be off the table but if a deal is agreed, Smith wants to return against a quality opponent.

“He's ready,” Hearn said. “He wants a good name – a world-level fight. He’s still a big name in British boxing and we can build a big card in Liverpool as well.”

[jameswilson]

He’s done well with all the UK promoters.

[tony1234]

He looked shot to bits against Eubank, end up like Paul and get an undeserved title shot

[Ruthless-RKO]

He’s done well with all the UK promoters.

Who else has been promoted by many and done well?

Chisora has been with Frank x2, Matchroom, Sauerland, Hennessy?

Eubank Jr. has also been with Frank, Matchroom, Sauerland, Wasserman, Boxxer who else? He's made money.

[keithmoonhangover]

He looked shot to bits against Eubank, end up like Paul and get an undeserved title shot

Yeah, there was a lot of talk about his ankles being completely shot. Unless he's had surgery on them, he's likely have the same problem.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[keithmoonhangover]

I wonder how his ankles hold up?

[stujones]

Seems a bizarre move - but I guess a short term fight with the Benn vs Eubank winner (that feels weird typing that) is I guess what it will be about. He looks just about done.

[tony1234]

One last pay day, difficulty selling a big fight after what happened v Eubank

[Jimmy2025]

There must be a plan. Always really liked Liam and hope there's a big pay day for him. As good as he is, he's not a natural A-side fighter, no x-factor but definitely a good dance partner.

[garethhop]

Matchroom needed a name. Liam needs a promoter. He's turned into an odd sort the last year or so.

Eddie a few months back said he was making 2-4 big signings for the UK that would feature in the first quarter here. Assume this is the first?

[forcefraser]

Why did he pull out of rhe Josh Kelly fight?

[stujones]

One last pay day, difficulty selling a big fight after what happened v Eubank

A half decent comeback win and I think they can sell the trilogy fight if Eubank cannot move on from the Benn fight in a forward direction (assuming Eubank wins).

[Ruthless-RKO]

One last pay day, difficulty selling a big fight after what happened v Eubank

A half decent comeback win and I think they can sell the trilogy fight if Eubank cannot move on from the Benn fight in a forward direction (assuming Eubank wins).

CEJ-Benn has rematch clause. Will no doubt be 2 fights.

[stujones]

One last pay day, difficulty selling a big fight after what happened v Eubank

A half decent comeback win and I think they can sell the trilogy fight if Eubank cannot move on from the Benn fight in a forward direction (assuming Eubank wins).

CEJ-Benn has rematch clause. Will no doubt be 2 fights.

You would think, if its a bit of a one sided win for someone it might be hard to rematch clause it.

I know they did for Fury vs Usyk 1 and that was a bit one sided - but I would struggle to think of any angle for the need to do this again if it is one sided.

[Ruthless-RKO]

He’s gonna fight Aaron McKenna on the Eubank-Benn card.

[tigermoth87]

i like Liam but he looked shot to bits vs Eubank.

[jameswilson]

i like Liam but he looked shot to bits vs Eubank.

I think the ankle injury didn’t help.

When he does the weight right and has a decent camp he is a very tough fighter to beat for everyone except the very best.

[mickey1975]

i like Liam but he looked shot to bits vs Eubank.

I think the ankle injury didn’t help.

When he does the weight right and has a decent camp he is a very tough fighter to beat for everyone except the very best.

He said yesterday that the ankle wasn't a problem. Liam always seems to be enjoying himself at the shows I see him at, I suspect it might catch up with him once and for all in this fight.

[keithmoonhangover]

According to the BoxRec schedule, Beefy is fighting Ilari Kujala in Finland on the 4th of September.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yup. Seen it on X earlier

Strange.

[keithmoonhangover]

Yup. Seen it on X earlier

Strange.

Makes sense to me. They'll be paying him good money, it's off the radar, a very winnable fight and he'll find out what he's got left.

[magnus]

Bentley's talking up a defence against Smith, so he'll need a win of some sort to fly into the WBO rankings.

[SeanBrennan]

Bentley's talking up a defence against Smith, so he'll need a win of some sort to fly into the WBO rankings.

Now that is a soft defence. Good luck to Denzel though he deserves to make money