Comeback on the Line: Liam Smith Couldn't Care Less About Eubank-Benn Drama

By Lewis Barnett 23 April, 2025 7 mins read 82 Views

God. The boxing circus never stops, does it? I've been covering these middleweights for years now, and teh drama just keeps escalating. Liam Smith is standing there, practically rolling his eyes at the whole Eubank-Benn spectacle while he prepares for his own fight against Aaron McKenna this Saturday.

Let me tell you something.

Smith isn't mincing words about the main event happening at Tottenham's stadium. When DAZN pushed him on it, he hit back with the kind of bluntness that makes promoters cringe: "Selfishly, I don't give a s*** about the main event. I just need to win, announce that I'm back and then I'll speak to you about the main event or call out the winner whatever it may be."

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The Messy Backstory (That Nobody Wants to Rehash)

Remember back in 2022? I was actually booked to cover the original Eubank-Benn fight before it imploded spectacularly. Had my hotel in London and everything. Then boom - Benn tests positive for clomifene (that testosterone-boosting stuff), and suddenly I'm canceling reservations and explaining to my editor why I don't have a story. Poor guy had already laid out the Sunday sports section.

With Benn sidelined, Eubank pivoted to fighting Smith instead. What happened next shocked pretty much everyone in the boxing world - Smith knocked Eubank out cold in January 2023. I was sitting three rows back and nearly spilled my overpriced beer when it happened.

But boxing's nothing if not unpredictable. Eubank bounced back and took the rematch seven months later. Meanwhile, Smith disappeared from the scene after illness forced him to withdraw from a scheduled September clash with Josh Kelly.

Is McKenna Being Set Up as a Sacrificial Lamb?

Now the former WBO light-middleweight champ is back, facing the undefeated 25-year-old Irishman Aaron McKenna (19-0, 10 KOs) on Saturday's undercard. McKenna's record looks impressive on paper, but I talked to three trainers last week who all said the same thing - he hasn't faced anyone near Smith's caliber.

Smith, now 36, seems almost annoyed by suggestions that this is his last chance. "Aaron McKenna is coming to try and finish my career but it's not time just yet," he told us at yesterday's press conference, looking like a man who'd rather be anywhere else than answering the same questions for the fifth time.

The Weird Timeline Nobody Talks About

While Smith was dealing with his health issues, the Benn saga took bizarre turns. After fighting to clear his name, the 28-year-old eventually had his provisional UK Anti-Doping ban lifted. This opened the door for his return to British soil after he'd relocated his career to America, where he picked up two wins at light-middleweight.

I ran into Benn's father at a charity event in 2023 - talk about awkward. He spent 20 minutes explaining conspiracy theories about his son's positive tests. I nodded politely while looking for the exit.

Eubank, meanwhile, has been busy too. At 35, he stopped Kamil Szeremeta (also 35... boxing's getting older, just like me) in seven rounds last October in Saudi Arabia. That win finally cleared the path for the Benn showdown that's been brewing for years.

What's Actually at Stake Here?

Let's be real. The winner of Eubank-Benn will be looking for the biggest payday possible next. Smith represents a legitimate threat and a fight that makes sense on paper. His experience, pedigree, adn that previous win over Eubank make him the logical next opponent.

But Smith first needs to handle business against McKenna. After 18 months of frustration, illness, and watching others take spotlight fights, you can understand why he's not exactly thrilled about discussing hypothetical future matchups.

I spent $400 on tickets to see Smith's canceled fight last September. Still bitter about that one.

The Elephant Nobody's Addressing

At 36, Smith doesn't have endless opportunities left. This boxing game is cruel - one bad night and suddenly you're yesterday's news. The middleweight division has moved on during his absence, with younger fighters climbing the rankings and making noise.

His reaction to questions about Eubank-Benn feels like a man who's tired of being viewed as just another piece in someone else's story. He's been a world champion. He's knocked out Eubank Jr. He deserves better than being reduced to "potential next opponent" status.

Boxing's like that though... one minute you're the star, the next you're just part of someone else's highlight reel. I've seen it happen to dozens of fighters since I started covering the sport in 2011.

Saturday night will tell us everything we need to know about where Liam Smith stands in this constantly shifting landscape. McKenna might be undefeated, but he's never faced anyone with Smith's pedigree and experience.

The comeback starts now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum training required for professional Boxing?

For anyone to start training in professional boxing they must have a commitment to fitness, discipline and an open mind. To begin training, it is important to learn all the fundamentals. This includes stances, footwork techniques, punches, defensive techniques, etc. It's imperative to join a reputable boxing gym with experienced trainers who understand the nuances of professional competition. To develop their skills, new boxers will undergo rigorous conditioning drills as well as sparring and technique drills.

What are key elements of a fighter's training regimen?

A boxer's training routine typically consists of several key components. These include technical skills development, tactics drills, strength-and-conditioning, sparring, as well as mental preparation. Technique-focused workouts improve punch accuracy and defensive maneuvers, while tactical drills develop fight strategies. Training exercises increase athleticism and sparring gives you a practical fighting experience. Mental training builds confidence, focus and resilience.

How important is mental toughness to professional boxing?

Mental toughness is as vital as physical conditioning in professional boxing. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental preparation involves stress management techniques and developing an aggressive mindset in order to overcome the challenges of the ring. Without mental toughness in the ring, boxers may not be able perform to their full potential.

Can anyone learn to box?

Even though boxing may be accessible to all, not everyone is cut out to compete professionally. Professional boxing is an art that requires a combination of talent with physical ability and mental toughness. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A comprehensive screening by a trainer can help determine if someone has the potential for a professional career in boxing.

What role does a manager or promoter play in the career of a professional boxer?

Promoters and managers have a major role to play in a fighter's professional life. Managers are in charge of guiding a boxer's professional career, negotiating contracts and managing the boxer’s business affairs. They are also responsible for selecting the appropriate fights and protecting the boxer's interest. Promoters, on the other hand, focus on event organization, marketing fights, and attracting audience and sponsor attention, which enhances a boxer's public profile and earning potential.

How long will it take me to become a boxer professional?

The time taken to become an elite boxer is variable. The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It all depends on an individual's skill level at the start, their ability to adapt to the sport and the quality training they receive. On average, it could take several years of dedicated training and successful amateur experience before one is ready to turn professional. Some talents will develop faster than others.

What qualities should a person look for in a trainer or coach of boxing?

When seeking a boxing coach or trainer, one should look for experience, a successful track record with other boxers, compatibility in coaching style, and a deep understanding of the sport's technical and strategic aspects. A good trainer will also emphasize safety, conditioning, and personal growth. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.

Statistics

As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.

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How To

How to Cut Weight for a Boxing Fight

Managing your weight before a boxing fight requires a disciplined approach. A nutrition plan should be developed that emphasizes complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and hydration. High-sodium foods and high-fat meals must be avoided. It is possible to manipulate the water weight of your body by increasing and decreasing water consumption a few weeks ahead of the fight. Increase your intensity during workouts and incorporate sauna sessions, if necessary. However, always prioritize safety and avoid drastic weight loss methods.