Liverpool boxer Liam Smith has been fined by the British Boxing Board of Control for misconduct in relation to controversial comments he made about Chris Eubank Jr.
Smith went head to head with Eubank Jr in a boxing clash earlier this year in January at the AO Manchester Arena. Prior to this, the pair came to face-to face in a controversial fight week press conference where “homophobic” remarks were exchanged. Smith, a former world champion, went on to beat Eubank Jr by knockout.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) issued a statement confirming the pair would face investigation into the incident with the possibility of disciplinary action being taken, as reported by the Mirror. Now, the BBBoC has confirmed both fighters have been fined unspecified amounts and have 28 days to pay said fine.
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The BBBoC 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.”
During the press conference on January 19 - just two days before the fighters faced off in the ring - comments were made which left Sky Sports having to apologise to its viewers.
Eubank Jr, 33, was accused of taunting Smith about social class whereas Smith, 34, faced criticism after implying Eubank was gay.
Smith said: "You go on about girls, has anybody in this room ever seen you with a girl? You got something to tell us? You are 33 and you said on the programme you want kids. This is for no laughs I am just asking, do you want to tell us something? You are putting up pictures with Neymar in limousines. No-one in this room has seen you with a woman. If you are happy just tell us; it isn't a dig. You have to have a woman to have a kid."
Eubank Jr responded by saying: "Listen, my private life is my private life. That is irrelevant to the boxing but I am happy and comfortable. What would you like to know Liam? If you want to get personal, talking about being gay? I've been told you cheat on your wife. I'd rather be gay than a cheat."
At the weigh-in, Eubank Jr wore a rainbow armband to show support for the LGBTQ+ community - a community which Smith has apologised to since the press conference.
Speaking during the post-fight presser, Smith said: "I apologise to anyone offended by what I said. I'm not homophobic in any way, shape or form, I'm far from it. That's not me as a man. If anyone's offended and I've come across that way, I apologise.”
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