CHRIS EUBANK JR ‘talks a good fight’ but ‘lacks natural ability’, according to rival Callum Smith.
And that is why he will never beat any of the top middleweights.
The two Brits have never met in the ring but Smith appears to have fired a shot in Eubank Jr’s direction as he plots his next fight.
He lost his WBA (Super) and The Ring super-middleweight titles to Canelo Alvarez in December and is considering a step-up to light-heavyweight for his next challenge.
However, he has this week been discussing Eubank Jr and he did not hold back as he delivered a verbal KO to his rival’s chances of ever becoming a world champion.
Smith told Sky Sports: “He can get in the mix because his name always brings a lot.
“He carries his dad’s name so he has a big profile. He talks a good fight so will always talk himself into big fights.
“But as we’ve seen in the Billy Joe Saunders fight and the Groves fight, when he steps up to the highest level his lack of boxing ability seems to let him down.”
Eubank Jr lost his undefeated record to Saunders in 2014 and was beaten by George Groves in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series in 2018.
And it is those types of losses that have led to Smith doubting whether he has what it takes to step up to the next level.
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He added: “He is very fit, athletic, strong. He’s a better middleweight than he is a super-middleweight.
“But at the very top level he lacks the natural ability to beat the top guys.
“He will always be in a position to be in those fights. But I don’t see him beating any of the top ones.”
Eubank Jr, 31, produced his biggest career victory when he overcame James DeGale in February 2019.
He last fought in November 2019 when he knocked out Matt Korobov in the second round.
