Liam Smith withdraws from Josh Kelly fight due to virus

Liam Smith, the former WBO light-middleweight champion, has withdrawn from his upcoming fight against Josh Kelly, which was scheduled to take place in one week. This decision comes as a result of a virus that has left Smith in considerable discomfort, experiencing significant pain from persistent coughing. He expressed his struggles with the illness, indicating that it has affected his ability to prepare for the bout adequately. The fight was anticipated to be a significant event, coinciding with Anthony Joshua's clash against Daniel Dubois, which is expected to draw a massive crowd of 96,000 fans. Smith was eager to redeem himself following his previous defeat to Chris Eubank Jr. and had been preparing to showcase his skills against Kelly, whom he believed was underestimating him. Smith's withdrawal not only impacts his career trajectory but also alters the dynamics of the fight card, which was already facing challenges. His absence raises questions about the future of the match and how it will affect both fighters' standings in the boxing world. Smith had previously hinted at feeling undervalued and was determined to prove his critics wrong. As he battles through his illness, Smith's focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes of returning to the ring in the near future. The boxing community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for both Smith and Kelly moving forward.