Chris Eubank Jr has suggested that he is ready to activate his rematch clause after losing to Liam Smith in four rounds on Saturday night.
Eubank went into their Manchester grudge match as the heavy favourite and a strong third round suggested that he was likely to live up to that billing.
However, Smith ripped up the copybook in the fourth, executing a perfect uppercut and left hook combination to drop Eubank for the first time in his career.
Although Eubank beat the count, he was arguably already in no position to continue before Smith forced the referee stoppage soon afterwards.
In losing to Smith, Eubank has missed out on setting up a world title opportunity and a lucrative showdown with Conor Benn, dependent on the investigation into his failed drugs test.
Nevertheless, a rematch clause was included in the contract for Saturday's bout, and it appears that Eubank would be ready to take a second bout with Smith in his rival's hometown.
Congratulations to Liam tonight, nice lil shot you caught me with there my boy. Felt like I could of kept going but referee is in charge & I respect his decision. We'll get it on again soon 😎 #EubankSmith
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) January 22, 2023
Speaking to Sky Sports Box Office, Eubank said: ""Big congratulations to Liam. I felt like it could've gone on but he caught me with a great shot.
"The build up got a bit ugly at the end and I regretted that. I respect you and your family and I always have. If the fans want to see a rematch, we can get it on at Anfield."
Meanwhile, Smith felt that Eubank was 'unable to handle him', as well as admitting that he felt obliged to go for the finish once he had shocked the majority by dropping his opponent.
The Liverpudlian told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I felt he didn't like the little shots I was catching him with. He looked terrified to get hit. He's got a great chin but I said all week he can't handle me.
"I thought I can't let him off the hook after the first knockdown. He's fit and durable and I thought if I don't empty the tank and get him out then I might come unstuck.
"I said all week I'm a good finisher and I knew if I got him hurt that I would finish him."
Should a rematch be targeted, it will likely occur in June or July, depending on whether Smith gets a world title opportunity and the recovery time for the heavily swollen eye suffered by Eubank.
Darren Plant
