The press conference for the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn event commenced at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, featuring the undercard fighters who took the stage separately from the main event participants. A strong lineup of boxers assembled, joined by promoters Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom.
Addressing the media first was Chris Billam-Smith, scheduled to open the show against Brandon Glanton. Reflecting on his recent world title loss to Zurdo Ramirez, Billam-Smith stated, “I have plenty to work on, and it`s time for me to return to winning ways. A victory here presents a great chance to make a statement and position myself for a shot at one of the champions.”
Brandon Glanton, the American challenger, made his intense dislike for Billam-Smith abundantly clear. During a passionate outburst at the press conference, he declared, “He [Billam-Smith] knows exactly what he did. When Okolie and Chris fought, he was highly disrespectful. I was there assisting Okolie with his preparation. I attempted to shake his hand afterward to congratulate him, and he simply ignored me.”
Glanton further added, “We are men before we are fighters, and he is a father before he is a fighter, so his son has a coward for a father.”
The confrontation continued during the face-off, with the pair exchanging further heated words, intensifying the build-up for their fight. Both cruiserweights enter the contest with identical professional records of 20 wins and 2 losses.
Fellow British light-heavyweights and familiar adversaries, Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur, are set to meet for the third time, with their previous encounters resulting in one win for each fighter. Given the depth and exciting potential matchups within the light-heavyweight division, both fighters are eager to secure a victory to challenge top names like Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi.
Yarde commented on their history, “He won by split decision in the first fight, and I was very disappointed in myself. When the rematch was confirmed, I knew I had to demonstrate my true capabilities.”
He added regarding Arthur`s attitude after their initial bout, “His behaviour after that first fight showed an arrogance that I didn`t appreciate, and that resentment still lingers.”
The British Commonwealth title will be on the line when Chev Clarke and Viddal Riley step into the ring. Clarke, coming off a split decision loss, remains focused on his boxing goals. He stated, “My destiny is not fixed; it changes daily. Viddal is in the way of me providing for my family, and my family must eat. Eddie [Hearn] and I have specific plans.”
Meanwhile, Riley is equally confident, viewing Clarke as a crucial stepping stone towards higher levels in boxing. Promoter Ben Shalom expressed his belief, stating, “I truly believe this fight will be his breakout performance.”
Riley himself conveyed strong self-belief, saying, “Throughout my journey, I`ve announced many things I intended to do long before I actually accomplished them.”
Eddie Hearn, in typical promotional fashion, backed his fighter Clarke, suggesting his amateur pedigree might be too much for Riley. Hearn remarked, “When I first met Viddal Riley, I thought he was leaning towards YouTube boxing. However, I believe Chev Clarke`s background and skill level from the amateur ranks will be superior. I still anticipate it being a competitive fight.”
Following his loss to Eubank Jr in 2023, Liam Smith returns to the ring to face the undefeated Aaron McKenna. Smith had been preparing to fight Josh Kelly last year but was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to injury.
Smith commented on his recent challenges, “It`s been a difficult 12 months for me, with the loss, falling ill, and then getting injured. But I am now fit, healthy, and looking forward to this challenge.”
The undefeated Aaron McKenna, with a 19-0 record, faces a significant test against Liam Smith, a fighter who has competed on the world stage against opponents like Canelo Alvarez. McKenna remains unfazed and determined to prove his doubters wrong. The Irishman confidently stated, “I understand many people are saying it`s too soon and too early for me, that I`m too young. But on Saturday night, I am going to prove them wrong.”
Responding to McKenna`s confidence, Smith remarked, “Attitude-wise and style-wise, I think he`s hungry, but I believe he`s shown some weaknesses in his defense.”
During their face-off, the taller McKenna stood over Smith as they shared an intense staredown, anticipating what is expected to be an exciting clash of styles. McKenna promised a fight fought at close quarters, like in `a phone booth.`
