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Boxing was asked to “take decisive action” after Liam Smith directed homophobic comments at Chris Eubank Jr. ahead of Saturday’s grudge fight.
Smith questioned Eubank Jr.’s sexuality at a press conference on Thursday, leading major broadcaster Sky Sports to apologize.
Eubank Jr., who Smith claimed had “embarrassed himself” in his comments, donned a rainbow armband at the weigh-in before going head-to-head with his Liverpool rivals.
“We don’t discriminate,” added Eubank Jr. “We don’t alienate. We want boxing and the sport as a whole to be inclusive.”
The UK Boxing Control Board confirmed Friday that it will “directly consider the actions of both boxers”.
A Stonewall spokesperson said, independence: “Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic comment is not sport. Sports authorities should take such instances seriously and take decisive action to make it clear that anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric will not be tolerated.” is important.
“We know that anti-LGBTQ+ behavior is in the minority, but over the past five years, the percentage of sports fans who believe homophobic speech in sports is acceptable has increased from 25% in 2017 to 14% in 2022. almost halved to
“But despite the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ in sport this year, these examples demonstrate why it is so important for boxers, coaches, and individuals to keep racing and continue the fight for inclusion. Shows. Together, we can create a better world of sports where sport is truly everyone’s game.”
Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse praised Eubank Jr for wearing the rainbow armband and said:
Eubank Jr. and Smith pose after gaining weight
(PA)
Eubank Jr. also claimed Smith had “crossed a line”, telling PA: This is boxing, this is the entertainment business, this is fighting games, this is real.
“People react differently to fighting men.
“It’s crossing the line and it’s wrong for the people watching it. We shouldn’t behave like that. It’s fight week, we’re starving and gaining weight. If you took it personally, I apologize.
“It used to be a little hot like that. After all, it’s just a word. Take it with a pinch of salt.”
Former world champion George Groves, who defended his super-middleweight title against Eubank Jr. in points in 2018, added that Smith’s comments may have given his rivals additional motivation.
“When the game came out, I thought it was Eubank Jr.’s loss, but when you analyze it, it’s closer than it looks,” Groves told Sky Sports.
Chris Eubank Jr. weighing in while wearing a rainbow armband
(Action image via Reuters)
“Perhaps yesterday’s heated press conference twitched something in Eubank Jr.’s slight shift from going out and working to a mindset of wanting to do a little more.
“I’m adamant that Eubank Jr. wins, but if it’s a brawl, I think Eubank Jr. not only wins, it hurts him.”
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