Smith Edges Buatsi In Grueling 12-Round Bout

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Smith Edges Buatsi in Grueling 12-Round Bout: Briton Claims Narrow Victory After Brutal Fight

London, England – In a fight that lived up to its billing as a brutal back-and-forth slugfest, British boxer Chris Eubank Jr. narrowly defeated his fellow countryman Liam Smith via split decision in a twelve-round super-middleweight clash at the Manchester Arena on Saturday. The fight, a rematch of their January encounter which Smith won by a fourth-round knockout, saw Eubank Jr. demonstrate improved resilience and tactical awareness, although the victory was far from decisive and sparked immediate debate among boxing fans and pundits.

The atmosphere inside the Manchester Arena was electric, a testament to the fierce rivalry and high stakes of the fight. Both fighters came out swinging from the opening bell, trading heavy blows throughout the twelve rounds. Smith, known for his aggressive, powerful style, repeatedly targeted Eubank Jr.'s body, aiming to replicate his earlier knockout success. However, Eubank Jr. showcased improved defensive skills and a more measured approach, absorbing punishment while landing significant counterpunches.

The fight was a testament to the fighters’ grit and determination. Both boxers showed incredible heart, repeatedly absorbing punishing blows and returning fire with unwavering aggression. Several rounds were closely contested, making scoring a challenging task for the judges. The close nature of the bout was reflected in the final scorecards, with two judges awarding the victory to Eubank Jr. (scores: 115-113, 115-113) and one giving the nod to Smith (114-114).

The judges' decision proved highly controversial. Many viewers and commentators felt that Smith had done enough to secure the victory, pointing to his consistent aggression and effective body work. Others, however, believed that Eubank Jr.'s cleaner punching and late-round rallies were enough to justify the split decision. The post-fight analysis and discussions are expected to continue for some time.

Immediately following the fight, Smith expressed his displeasure with the verdict, suggesting a rematch. "I felt I won the fight, plain and simple," Smith stated in his post-fight interview. "I landed the cleaner shots, I hurt him more. I'm not sure what the judges saw, but I know what I saw." Eubank Jr., meanwhile, acknowledged the tough fight, stating, "Liam is a tough opponent, a very durable fighter. I knew it was going to be a tough fight coming into it, but I feel I deserved the win."

The fight, broadcast globally, generated significant buzz on social media, with numerous fans and commentators weighing in on the controversial decision. The rematch possibility further fuels the anticipation for the future of this intense super-middleweight rivalry. The fight underscored the unpredictable nature of boxing and the inherent subjectivity in judging such close contests. It left many wondering whether the judges got it right, and provided further fuel for the debate surrounding the sport's scoring systems. The outcome, regardless of the controversy, cemented the reputations of both Smith and Eubank Jr. as elite fighters in the super-middleweight division, promising an exciting future for the weight class.