Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams Preview

The battle of the British middleweights finally arrives at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff on February 5th. Third time lucky?

Domestic rivals Chris Eubank Jr (31-2 ,23 KO's) and Liam Williams (23-3-1 ,18 KO's) headlined a stacked night of boxing to kick off February and the first Boxxer show of the year. The pair have somewhat bad blood, with both fighters exchanging words on social media in the last year, which eventually led to this huge fight being made.

Brighton’s Chris Eubank Jr has impressed in his two fights under legendary fighter Roy Jones Jr, looking more impressive with each bout, but the former world title challenger is yet to be tested at the highest level under Jones Jr. Last time out, he scored a routine win over Wanik Awdijan in Newcastle, due to a fifth round retirement from his German opponent caused by Eubank Jr's body shot. Eubank Jr has been in and around world level for the bulk of his career, challenging for world honours on one occasion against the now retired George Groves, losing by a unanimous decision in 2018. The only other blemish on his record is against another former world titleholder, Billy Joe Saunders in 2014.

Liam Williams challenged unbeaten WBO world champion Demetrius Andrade back in April last year. Although Andrade won a wide unanimous decision, Williams put in a brave performance and had Andrade hurt at times. Williams has regularly campaigned at British level in his career, winning the title in the Super Welterweight and middleweight divisions. Two close battles with Liam Smith occurred in 2017, with Smith coming out as victor on both occasions.

Eubank Jr's superior boxing credentials will be key for the victory, he will need to avoid Williams inevitable front forward charge. He has looked a much more composed fighter since he teamed up with Roy Jones Jr compared to his prior fights when he tended to be a bit erratic. A solid jab from Eubank Jr will allow him to hold the threat of Williams at a distance and showcase his long range work. Liam Williams come forward barbarous style could either be his downfall or his fortune. In the fight with the divisions 'boogeyman' Demetrius Andrade, the slick American was able to evade the abundance of Williams's attacks and counter him almost at will to stroll towards a wide points victory.

“This was going to be the biggest domestic fight of 2021. Now it’s going to be the biggest domestic fight of 2022 and it’s starting the Sky Sports Boxing new year with a bang. It’s a great card from top to bottom and we can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff on fight night. It’s going to be electric.” said Ben Shalom, Founder and CEO, BOXXER.

Claressa Shields makes her much anticipated UK debut as she defends her undisputed world championship against Ema Kozin. Shields is targeting a mega fight with British rival Savannah Marshall later in the year, Savannah wont be in action on this card due to a recent injury. A fight between Shields and Marshall would be a huge event for Female boxing and would do wonders for the sport. The pair have met in the ring once before when Marshall defeated Shields, the only fighter to ever achieve this feat in the amateurs or professional ranks.

Following a stellar amateur career in which she became World Youth Olympic Champion and won the European Youth Championships an astonishing four times, 21-year-old prospect Caroline Dubois follows her older brother Daniel into the professional ranks and aims to make her mark.

Where to watch, Start time & Stream info

You can watch all the action on Sky Sports or Sky Showcase from 7pm in the UK. 

Undercard action will be streamed live across Sky Sports Boxing social media channels.