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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.<\/p>\n
Smith questioned Eubank Jr.’s sexuality at a press conference on Thursday, leading major broadcaster Sky Sports to apologize.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We don’t discriminate,” added Eubank Jr. “We don’t alienate. We want boxing and the sport as a whole to be inclusive.”<\/p>\n
The UK Boxing Control Board confirmed Friday that it will “directly consider the actions of both boxers”.<\/p>\n
A Stonewall spokesperson said, independence<\/em>: \u201cHomophobic, 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.\u201d is important.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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<\/p>\n \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse praised Eubank Jr for wearing the rainbow armband and said:<\/p>\n Eubank Jr. and Smith pose after gaining weight <\/p>\n<\/div>\n (PA)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople react differently to fighting men.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “It used to be a little hot like that. After all, it’s just a word. Take it with a pinch of salt.”<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Chris Eubank Jr. weighing in while wearing a rainbow armband<\/p>\n<\/div>\n (Action image via Reuters)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n “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. <\/p>\n “I’m adamant that Eubank Jr. wins, but if it’s a brawl, I think Eubank Jr. not only wins, it hurts him.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n