Liam Smith Targets Conor Benn in Pivotal Career Match

Smith Eyes Redemption Against Benn

Liam Smith, the seasoned pugilist, is currently in negotiations with Matchroom Boxing to lock horns with welterweight sensation Conor Benn later this year. This news comes after Smith’s challenging period following his stoppage loss in a rematch against Chris Eubank Jr. last September. Despite an earlier victory over Eubank, Smith attributed his subsequent defeat to an injury that postponed their second bout from its scheduled date in June.

Benn’s Controversial Path Back to the UK Rings

The first encounter between Smith and Eubank was arranged after an initial match-up with Benn fell through. Benn’s scheduled fight was abruptly cancelled due to unexpected findings in his drug tests during the fight week. Maintaining his innocence, Benn is embroiled in a struggle to resume his boxing career in the UK after his recent lacklustre outings in the United States.

Ongoing Talks with Promoters

While discussing future prospects, Smith shared insights from a conversation with promoter Eddie Hearn: “Conor has been mentioned to me and like I have always said, I will take that fight in a heartbeat. I’d love that fight next, if there is one in-between, then great,” Smith conveyed during an interview with IFL TV. He added, “It got spoken about when I was in Canada [Callum Smith vs Beterbiev], Eddie asked me if I would fight him and I said, ‘Of course, I would love to’.”

Navigating Free Agency with Big Fight Aspirations

Following the expiration of his three-fight contract with Ben Shalom’s Boxxer, Smith is currently a promotional free agent. He expressed that he has received proposals from other UK promoters but emphasized his preference for high-profile bouts: “It’s got to be a big fight… it’s who’s going to offer me names. Am I speaking to people? Yes. Have I got a few offers on the table? Yes. Have I picked one? No. Frank and George Warren have offered me names and Eddie [Hearn] and Frank [Smith] are in the middle of doing the same thing now. So, I’ll just see what’s the best option out of those two. But I’m coming off the back of a loss, so let’s be realistic. I’m not going to get a world title fight, and one win in a comeback fight is not going to get me a world title fight either. I’m not going to carry on boxing if I’m not going to get big fights.”

Smith’s determination to rebound in the ring underscores his career trajectory focused on securing significant matchups, with Benn potentially next on the list. As negotiations continue, the boxing community watches eagerly, anticipating a match that could redefine both fighters’ careers.