Chris Eubank Jr surprises boxing fans as he indicates that he won’t fight Conor Benn next and will instead rematch Liam Smith

Chris Eubank Jr has shocked boxing fans by indicating that he's set to fight Liam Smith again next, and not Conor Benn after all.

The 33-year-old was knocked out for the first time in his career by Smith back in January and now looks set to pursue revenge in a rematch.

Eubank Jr was initially set to fight Benn in October of last year.

However, Benn twice tested positive for the banned substance clomifene in two VADA drugs tests and so the bout was prohibited from taking place.

This led Eubank Jr to face Smith instead and he was dramatically stopped in four rounds.

The defeated man then activated his rematch clause to force a second bout, but also re-entered talks to face Benn.

Eubank Jr's promoter Kalle Sauerland is understood to have been in discussions with Ben Shalom's BOXXER for a rematch with Smith on Sky Sports, and Eddie Hearn's Matchroom to remake the Benn fight on DAZN.

A target date of September 2 has been set for Smith vs Eubank Jr, while a target date of September 23 has been set for Eubank Jr vs Benn.

However, Benn's drugs testing situation remains unresolved as his UKAD case is ongoing and, unless he is cleared imminently, he won't be able to face Eubank Jr in the UK on September 23.

Regardless, it now seems as though the decision has been made.

Eubank Jr tweeted on Friday: "Eubank vs Smith 2 at the O2 September 2 - @LiamBeefySmith #LetsDoThis #NoMoreExcuses #Revenge."