Eubank Jr vs Smith LIVE: Fight updates, result and reaction as Smith scores stunning KO
Smith floored Eubank Jr with a huge uppercut in the 4th round and the fight was waved off soon after in Manchester
Liam Smith produced a devastating fourth-round stoppage to beat Chris Eubank Jr in their middleweight grudge clash in Manchester.
With the build-up overshadowed by unpleasant exchanges during Thursday’s final pre-fight press conference, there was little love lost between the fighters as they walked out to a packed AO Arena.
Smith, a former WBO light-middleweight champion with 32 wins from 36 fights, made the better start and although Eubank Jr recovered, he was put down twice in the fourth before the referee stepped in to end the contest.
Smith made homophobic remarks and questioned Eubank Jr’s sexuality during Thursday’s press conference, with accusations of Smith cheating on his wife being thrown in the opposite direction, before Junior then wore a rainbow armband to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community for Friday’s weigh-in. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed that they will “consider the conduct of both boxers directly,” while British LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall has urged the governing body to show they take anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric seriously.
Relive Eubank Jr vs Smith with our live blog below:
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 10
How will Kongo respond to that 9th-round barrage? A cagier start to the 10th but Kongo is looking tired, trying to hold.
Essuman coming forward more and on the front foot. Kongo stuck on the ropes again but Essuman can’t get his shots off properly.
There’s less snap in Kongo’s jab now. He tries to launch a right to end the round but to little avail.
This fight could go either way. Hard to tell how the judges will have scored it so far. Not sure anything from 6-4 Essuman to 7-3 Kongo would surprise me.
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 9
Good left to the body from Kongo but a decent combination from Essuman precedes it.
Neither man has hurt the other yet, so this could come down to who has been controlling the fight.
But Essuman has Kongo in trouble now! Has him pinned on the ropes and he lands two or three big shots. A great right over the top visibly hurts the challenger and a left uppercut may have landed as well. Kongo was wobbled but managed to spin out of it.
Kongo holds on to the end of the round but that was Essuman’s round and he bounces back to his corner.
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 8
This is turning into a clever fight plan from Essuman. Kongo was dictating with his jab early but Essuman has figured him out, is generally walking him down now and landing the odd shot inside.
Having said that, it’s a better 8th from Kongo who gets on the front foot off the jab again. That might have been Kongo’s round.
All to play for as we head towards the championship rounds in Manchester.
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 7
Not much in it after 6 rounds - either three rounds each or maybe 4-2 to Kongo, depending how you scored the 1st. Essuman coming on strong in the last couple.
He stays on the front foot again and is landing the odd shot inside at close range. Kongo warned for shouldering off his opponent.
Kongo working hard to keep Essuman off and trade land a couple of rights at the end of the round
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 6
The referee Howard Foster stops proceedings to have a word with Kongo about holding. He has tried to tie the champ up on a couple of occasions.
Essuman definitely coming forward more now and trying to march Kongo down. Maybe he’s decided the challenger doesn’t have the challenger to hurt him?
Essuman pins Kongo on the ropes but good defence from the challenger, not sure there’s anything getting through. The champ smothering his own shots a little bit by being too close - maybe should take half a step back.
A right possibly snuck through in the end. That was Essuman’s round, regardless.
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 5
Essuman noticeably busier now, no longer allowing Kongo to dictate. He comes in close a couple of times and tries to pummel the body. He needed to do something to stop this fight drifting away from him.
A nice Essuman right clips the chin and he then forces Kongo back against the ropes.
Better round for the champ.
Eubank Jr getting his hands wrapped
Chris Eubank Jr is having his hands wrapped with Paul Smith - Liam’s brother - watching on intently.
Willing a mistake to be made that he can complain about to disrupt Junior’s prep, you’d imagine!
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 4
Much more positive from Essuman to start the 4th but Kongo responds with a couple of nice shots.
Essuman has come on strong in his previous fights so he won’t be worried but Kongo connects with a left hook that follows a right.
The challenger is dictating the pace so far although Essuman throws a couple of body shots to finish the rounds.
Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo - Round 3
The challenger Kongo will be pleased with his start. He’s established the jab and of the two, he’s the one controlling the fight. So far, so clever.
Kongo in rhythm and looks to land a right over the top. A wild swing from Essuman is easily ducked under by his foe.
Neat left from Kongo lands after a right fails and you’d have to say that’s probably another round for the challenger. He’s looking good here
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