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Smith and Eubank Jr. fined after pre-fight taunts
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in Boxing. | 17 April 2023 | 536 Views
Tags: Boxing

Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. have both been fined for their pre-fight taunts that marred the build-up to January's middleweight clash.

Former world champion Smith stopped Eubank Jr. in the fourth round at Manchester Arena, although the bout was clouded by comments made by the pair in a press conference two days before the fight.

Smith, who apologised after, aimed a seemingly homophobic jibe at his opponent, asking Eubank Jr.: "Nobody in this room has ever seen you with a woman. Do you have something you want to tell us?"

Eubank Jr. responded by taunting Liverpool-born Smith about his social class and private life, with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) subsequently opening an investigation.

British boxing's governing body called both fighters to a hearing and announced on Monday the pair had been sanctioned.

A widely reported BBBofC statement read: "The stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control considered comments made by Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. at the press conference dated January 19 2023 at their meeting on Wednesday, April 12 2023.

"Mr Smith did not appear nor was legally represented. Mr Eubank Jr. did not appear but was legally represented.

"Following full consideration of all facts placed before the stewards, the stewards found that the misconduct charge was proven for both boxers.

"Mr Smith and Mr Eubank Jr. were both fined, payment to be made within twenty-eight days."

Smith and Eubank Jr. are set for another bout after the latter activated his rematch clause, with suggestions that clash could take place at Liverpool's home stadium Anfield.