Liam Smith’s Comeback Delayed by Calf Injury

Liam Smith has withdrawn from Friday’s fight against Ilari Kujala in Finland after suffering a calf injury during his weight cut. The cancellation takes away needed ring activity after consecutive defeats.

The 38-year-old former WBO light middleweight champion was scheduled to face Kujala at the Varuboden Areena in Kirkkonummi. Finnish outlet Yle reported that Smith’s team informed promoter Elite Boxing of the withdrawal Tuesday evening.

Promotional representative Miika Forsström said the injury occurred while Smith was trying to make the contracted weight. No new date has been announced.

Making weight becomes less forgiving as fighters age, and an injury during the final reduction raises doubts about how comfortably Smith can continue competing at middleweight. Moving to super middleweight would ease the cut but place him against naturally larger opponents.

Smith has now endured three troubled preparations in succession. He linked his performance in the Eubank rematch to an injury and described his preparation for McKenna as rushed. Another physical problem during a lower-level comeback leaves British promoters with fewer reasons to build events around him. If he cannot complete tune-ups intended to restore his standing, his remaining value may be as a recognized opponent for younger middleweights rather than a headliner.

The location also showed how far Smith’s position had declined. After headlining major events in Manchester and fighting at the O2 Arena, he was returning in a small Finnish venue against a little-known local opponent. The purpose was to get rounds, end his winless stretch, and begin rebuilding his value.

Smith has fought only once since his September 2023 stoppage loss to Chris Eubank Jr., dropping a decision to Aaron McKenna in April 2025. Losing another date at this stage of his career costs him time that cannot easily be recovered.

Kujala is denied the biggest opportunity of his career and the exposure attached to facing a former world champion at home.

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