Matchroom CEO Frank Smith spoke to Pro Boxing Fans today. Smith, who knows his way around the ring as intimately as any boxer, opened up about several topics that have been garnering interest in the boxing realm.
“What’s the plan for Dalton Smith after this, providing he wins on Saturday night?” the interviewer asked, launching our dialogue into its first act.
In his response, Smith unraveled the storyline set to unfold in the ring on the following Saturday. The importance of this fight for Dalton’s future was the common thread throughout.
“He’s fully focused on Saturday night’s fight, Sam Maxwell is not an easy test for him. He’s got to deliver a big performance. World level is definitely his aim after this.”
Chris Eubank vs Conor Benn
In the interview, Frank Smith talks extensively about the potential fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Despite Frank Warren’s skepticism about the appeal of this match-up, Smith firmly believes in the fight’s potential to draw a massive crowd and generate substantial interest among boxing fans.
Smith mentions that they are working towards having the Benn-Eubank fight on the 23rd of September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While there are still some hurdles to overcome, including potential talks of a fight between Eubank and Liam Smith, Smith is confident that they can finalize the arrangements.
Furthermore, he challenges Warren’s comments on who would want to watch the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Smith mentions the highest-grossing event ever at the O2 as evidence of the level of interest a fight like this can generate. He criticizes Warren’s dismissal of the bout’s potential appeal, sarcastically suggesting that maybe they are in the wrong job if Warren believes no one is interested in watching Benn against Eubank.
Smith concludes by expressing a firm intention to focus on making the Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr fight happen, as he sees it as a bigger draw and more intriguing to audiences. He acknowledges that nothing has been signed on any side yet but is hopeful for a positive outcome.
In recent years, British boxing has been under scrutiny, with some claiming that the sport has lost some of its previous sparkle. Smith, however, disagreed, believing the sport has simply evolved.
“I think with all sports, there’s always going to be times where bigger shows are delivered, smaller shows. But I’m very confident with the schedule we’re working through to December. You’re going to see some big nights and some exciting nights for British fight fans.”
Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder
Smith confirmed the mutual interest from both parties to make this fight happen.
“We’re working on a plan. I’m very confident we’ve had great relationships with a skill challenge and Prince Khalid for many years now. They’re completely motivated to deliver this Deontay Wilder fight.”
However, there’s another fight in play, a possible match-up between Andrew Ruiz and Wilder. But Smith expressed doubt about this coming to fruition, stating, “I don’t see it happening.”
