The tension is at an all-time high between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith following a controversial press conference on Thursday, but the two British middleweights are setting the scene perfectly for what could be a thrilling fight on Saturday night in Manchester.
With both fighters in their thirties, the window is quickly closing for the 'big' fights which they crave and whoever comes out on top at the AO Arena will have a world title shot in their sights.
As always with big fights such as Eubank Jr vs. Smith, there are plenty of bets to be made, so let's take a look at some of them below.
Eubank Jr vs. Smith odds
- Chris Eubank Jr: 2/5
- Liam Smith: 11/5
(All odds via BetMGM)
BetMGM (as of January 20) has Chris Eubank Jr installed as the favourite at 2/5 which means you would need to bet $50 to win $20 and your stake. Liam Smith is priced at 11/5 to win the fight, therefore a $50 bet could result in $110 in winnings if the Liverpudlian is victorious.
Eubank Jr vs. Smith prediction
Like many fans and experts, predictions for the fight change every hour.
Both Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith have fought over 30 times professionally, and are seasoned professionals in the ring, but whenever Eubank Jr has stepped into the biggest fights of his career, he always comes up short whether it be against Billy Joe Saunders or George Groves.
Eubank Jr also seems reluctant to go in for the kill whenever he is dominating, his previous outing last year against Liam Williams was a prime example. He knocked the Welshman down four downs, but was unable to produce the fight ending stoppage and instead emerged victorious on points.
Against Smith, Eubank Jr cannot afford to take his foot off the gas if he finds himself in control. Smith is a fighter which will look to rough his opponent up, and be relentless if he finds the slightest opening, and I think this is what will give 'Beefy' the edge in this domestic showdown.
Eubank Jr will try to box smartly under the guidance of trainer Roy Jones Jr, but Smith will drag the 33-year-old into a dogfight, an enviroment which the former light middleweight will thrive in.
- Astbury's pick: Liam Smith to win in round 11
- Best odds: 50/1
(All odds via BetMGM)
More Eubank Jr vs. Smith odds
Method of victory
- Chris Eubank Jr by KO/TKO/Technical Decision or DQ: 5/2
- Chris Eubank Jr on points: 11/10
- Liam Smith by KO/TKO/Technical Decision or DQ: 7/1
- Liam Smith on points: 7/2
- Tie: 16/1
(All odds via BetMGM)