Error code: %{errorCode}
Eubank Jr vs Benn: The undercard scrap that threatens to steal the show
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn take top billing on Saturday, but veteran Liam Smith’s clash with unbeaten rising star Aaron McKenna represents an intriguing battle on the undercard, live on DAZN PPV.
Former light-middleweight world champion Smith – whose reign was a decade ago – has not fought since losing to Eubank Jr at the AO Arena in Manchester on September 2023.
That is a long time between drinks.
Liverpudlian Smith (33-4-1) was stopped in the 10th round by Eubank Jr after being ruthlessly dismantled in their bitter grudge rematch .
They had fought each other in January 2023 when Smith ended Eubank Jr in the fourth round.
Revenge later that year was sweet for Eubank Jr, whose career will reach new heights should he prevail against sworn enemy Benn this weekend.
Their clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the most eagerly-awaits fights in recent British boxing history.
There is already talk that Smith could fight the winner – but he needs to get past McKenna first.
“Aaron McKenna is coming to try and finish my career but it's not time just yet,” said Smith.
“I’ve got a point to prove – I was horrendous last time out in the ring [against Eubank Jr).
“You can’t announce you’re back until you perform under the lights.
“I need to win by any means necessary, but I need to put on a performance too for the people who have written me off after Eubank 2.”
The old versus the new
Smith’s clash with Irishman McKenna (19-0, 10 KOs) should be a fascinating spectacle between two fighters at opposite ends of their careers.
For Smith, the importance of the fight cannot be overstated as he bids to make up for lost time.
‘Beefy’ was scheduled to face Josh Kelly last September before being forced to withdraw during fight week because of an illness.
Now fit and firing again, 36-year-old Smith will look to see off a rising star in McKenna and prove that he can still mix it within some of the biggest names in the division.
Smith’s pedigree is undeniable, hailing from a family of boxers which has seen him and his brothers Paul, Callum and Stephen all become British champions.
McKenna, 25, is from similar stock and elder brother Stephen, a super welterweight (15-1, 14 KOs), will be in his corner at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Life-changing opportunity
The younger McKenna – nicknamed ‘The Silencer’ – will be looking to announce himself on the big stage this weekend as he bids to take a huge stride towards his ultimate aim of becoming world champion.
Smith promises to be the toughest test of his career so far but, despite his relatively tender years, McKenna has plenty of experience and indeed success.
A keen Liverpool FC supporter, he has spoken about how fighting at Tottenham Hotspur’s iconic home represents a “life-changing opportunity”.
“I’ve been waiting for a moment like this for a good while now,” said McKenna with a glint in his eye.
“I’ve been calling for big fights these past two or three years.
“It’s a fight I'm really excited for. I'm looking forward to it and I know there's going to be a lot of eyes on me.
“This card is getting a lot of attention, so I plan to make the most of it and make a statement win come Saturday night.”
The possibilities for McKenna, should he win, are seemingly endless while for elder statesman Smith the carrot of a trilogy fight with Eubank Jr or a showdown with Benn is simply huge. Bring it on.
Watch three incredible fight nights in one week only on DAZN
Fight fans are in for a treat at the end of April / start of May, with three amazing fight cards within seven days - and DAZN PPV is the only place to watch them all.
- April 26: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
- May 2: Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero; Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez; Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
- May 3: Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull
Arch rivals Eubank Jr and Benn finally go head-to-head to start the exhilarating week, with PPV prices at £19.95 in the UK; $24.99 in the US; €24.99 in Europe.
Garcia vs. Romero and Canelo vs. Scull fight nights follow, which will both be exclusively on DAZN. Fight fans can purchase either fight individually for $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; ROW - $24.99 per PPV or take advantage of the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle where both fights can be purchased for $90 US; £34.99 in the UK and €34.99 in Europe .
