On Saturday, September 2nd, two leading names in the sport will aim to reclaim their fame as part of the ‘Smith vs Eubank II: Repeat or Revenge?’ undercard. The event confirmed for Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view, brings together the former unified world super-featherweight champion Mikaela Mayer and Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price MBE, who are both preparing to step into the ring once again.
Mikaela Mayer’s impressive career (18-1, 5 KO’s), which included holding both WBO and IBF World Super-Featherweight Championships, met a sudden setback in October 2022. A controversial loss to her arch enemy, Alycia Baumgardner, led Mayer to refocus her efforts towards regaining her world title position. Her bout against the ex-EBU European super-lightweight champion, Silvia Bortot (11-2, 3 KO’s), is already garnering attention, particularly from the British competitor Caroline Dubois, who’s been vocal about wanting to face Mayer in the ring.
Caroline Dubois is expected to be present at ringside, closely observing the Top Rank-promoted Mayer’s performance against Bortot. Dubois has shown her interest in taking on Mayer, eyeing big-name bouts in 2024, and this fight could be the precursor to a future showdown between the two.
Also, in the limelight for the September 2nd card is the 2020 Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price MBE (4-0, 1 KO). Hailing from Wales, Price is a name that’s being connected with a potential near-future face-off with the recently-crowned welterweight champion Natsha Jonas. With a pristine professional record, Price is setting her sights on Manchester, eager to continue her undefeated streak and move closer to title contention.
BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom expressed his excitement, stating that Mikaela Mayer is a world-class competitor, and her addition only heightens the anticipation for this blockbuster event. While Mayer’s previous visit to Britain left many impressed, one person who wasn’t was Caroline Dubois. If Mayer triumphs on September 2nd, Shalom hinted that the stage might be set for a 2024 battle between the two.
Shalom also praised Lauren Price MBE, acknowledging her accomplishments and her standing as an elite competitor. Despite what some might perceive as a rush towards professional titles, Price’s exceptional talent justifies her ambition. Her performance in Manchester could send a strong message, and Natasha Jonas is likely to be watching closely.
The main event, SMITH vs EUBANK II: Repeat or Revenge, will have the boxing community’s eyes glued to the screen as rivals Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith and Chris Eubank Jr return to the ring. They face off eight months after an electrifying January bout that concluded with Smith’s victory after a frantic four-round battle.
Scheduled to take place at the AO Arena Manchester, this event promises to be accessible to both Sky Sports subscribers and non-subscribers in the UK. Additionally, viewers in the USA can catch the live action exclusively on ESPN+.
The lineup includes super-lightweight sensation Adam Azim facing the dangerous Ukrainian Aram Fanyan, a major domestic heavyweight showdown between Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KO’s) and David Allen (25-5-2, 18 KOs), a welterweight clash between ‘The Albanian King’ Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KO’s) and Irish competitor Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KO’s), and British super-middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KO’s) defending his title against the tough challenger Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO’s).
Smith vs Eubank 2 set for September 2nd in AO Arena Manchester
The stage is set, the gloves are laced, and the date is locked in. The fiercely fought rivalry between middleweight adversaries Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith and Chris Eubank Jr will finally reach its climax at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday, September 2nd.
This thrilling rematch will air live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office, as part of the SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? pay-per-view event. It promises to be a conclusion to a feud that has been bubbling for nine months, ever since their first electrifying bout in January.
That first encounter was nothing short of explosive. The two fighters met in the middle of the ring, trading blows in a frantic fight that lasted until the fourth round, when Smith secured a spectacular victory with a pair of stunning knockdowns.
But the fight is far from over for Eubank Jr, who, feeling aggrieved by the referee’s decision, quickly activated the rematch clause. He has been deep in training, singularly focused on defeating Smith, a man from Liverpool whose previous win still stings.
The intensity of this rivalry has only heightened over time, especially with the postponement of an earlier date due to Smith’s minor injury during training. The anticipation is now reaching a fever pitch, with both fighters ready to unleash all their pent-up energy on September 2nd.
“I’m glad that the date is set now and we can look forward to getting rid of this itch that needs scratching. I’m fully healed up now, injury-free, and I’m looking forward to finishing Chris Eubank Jr’s career on September 2nd,” Smith confidently stated.
Eubank Jr’s response was equally resolute: “No more excuses, no more postponements. Smith can’t run forever. September 2 is the day of my revenge.”
The promoters are sharing in the excitement. Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s promoter and CEO, has recognized the intensity of this rivalry, calling their January fight one of the most thrilling in BOXXER history. Meanwhile, Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, has praised Eubank Jr’s focus and determination to set the record straight.
MARKU vs MORAN
Florian Marku and Dylan Moran had a heated face-off, with Marku later claiming Moran was visibly nervous. “He was shaking, no doubt about it. The footage doesn’t lie,” Marku boasted.
Moran brushed it off: “Trembling in front of you? Never. I’ve worked too hard to get here, and I’m not letting Marku spoil it. I’ve got superior skills, and I’m going to prove it on Saturday.”
CLARKE vs ALLEN
Also generating buzz is the heavyweight matchup between Olympic bronze medalist Frazer Clarke and David Allen. Allen is aiming for an upset: “I’ve known Frazer since 2012; I know what he’s capable of. It’s a tall order, but I genuinely believe I can win.”
Clarke, who has an unbeaten record of 7-0, wasn’t having any of it: “My objective is simple: hit him more than he hits me. As for Dave’s claim that he’ll outbox me? That’s as likely as me becoming a Calvin Klein underwear model. Just not happening.”
AZIM vs FANYAN
Undefeated prospect Adam Azim faces 23-1 Aram Fanyan in what is slated to be his toughest fight yet. Despite only eight pro fights to his name, Azim is excited: “Every fight for me is like a world title match. I’ve prepared hard, and my confidence is sky-high. Expect an electrifying performance.”