Liam Smith shocked the boxing world in January 2023 when he became the first man to knock out Chris Eubank Jr.

The Brighton boxer had always been hailed for his iron jaw, and up until that fateful night at the Manchester Arena, he had never touched the canvas as a professional.

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Eubank Jr was beaten by Smith in four rounds two years agoCredit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
That all changed in the fourth round when Smith trapped Eubank Jr against the ropes and unloaded a vicious flurry that left ‘Next Gen’ crumpled against the corner post.

He subsequently made his way back to his feet, but he did so on unsteady legs, staggering aimlessly around the ring.

Remarkably, the action was allowed to resume for a few seconds before Smith sent Eubank Jr tumbling back down to the deck to close the show.

Eight months later, Eubank Jr returned the favour in a rematch, while he hasn’t been stopped since.

Bitter rival Conor Benn will be aiming to buck that trend on Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the biggest British boxing bout of the year so far.

Smith believes a knockout win for Benn is a real possibility, but he will have to get his game plan right if he hopes to crack Eubank Jr’s chin.

“He has to pick his moments, Chris doesn’t have the engine he used to have,” Smith told talkSPORT.com when asked how Benn can beat Eubank Jr.

“He puts his punches together, but he’s never had a massive work rate; he fights in bursts.

“And when he showboats, that is him buying himself a rest, so he has to be all over him when he does that.

“He also pulls away quite high with his chin in the air. He doesn’t like fighting up close anymore.

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Eubank Jr was left crumpled against the bottom ropeCredit: Getty
“Against me, he was terrified to fight in the pocket. Conor has got to get in close and let his hands go.

“Conor is the better fighter up close. I think Chris will try and potshot and hold on the inside.”

Smith acknowledges that Benn has his fair share of technical advantages, but the discrepancy in weight means he is picking Eubank Jr to get his hand raised.

The bout has been made at middleweight (160lbs), two weight classes above Benn’s natural home of welterweight (147lbs).

And even with a 10lbs rehydration clause being added to both fighters’ contracts, Smith believes Benn is too small to beat Eubank Jr, who has competed as high as super middleweight (168lbs).

“I’ve always said when the fight first got talked about, even before I boxed Chris, that Chris was too big,” Smith added.

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Eubank Jr and Benn square off this weekendCredit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
“If Conor can make 147lbs then he is too small to make 160lbs, realistically.

“Even when I was 154lbs [super welterweight], I couldn’t make welterweight.

“I think anyone who can make welterweight shouldn’t be anywhere near middleweight.

“Conor will be hoping a lot of things will come into play, and the fight with me will play a big part.

“After what I did to Chris, I wouldn’t be shocked if Conor manages to do the same.

“It’s a closer fight now because of our fight, but I’d still pick Chris on points.”