Chris Eubank Sr has spoken out ahead of his son’s fight with Conor Benn this weekend.
Earlier in his career, Eubank Jr had his father by his side and in his corner. However, the young fighter eventually went alone on his boxing journey and worked with the likes of Roy Jones Jr and Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre.
The biggest night of his career comes on April 26 when he finally steps into the ring with Benn after almost three years of build-up following the cancellation of their first fight in October 2022 when Benn tested positive for a banned substance.
Eubank Sr always suggested that the fight wouldn’t and shouldn’t happen due to the weight difference between the two, with his son being a current middleweight who has fought as high as super-middle. Benn – a natural welterweight – will be making the move to 160 after last competing at 154.
Speaking recently, the British boxing legend paused from claiming that the bout will not be happening to offer a rare verdict on his son’s current ability.
“The style that you had was incredible but you changed that style to that of Mr Jones. This has made you, in my view, an ordinary fighter. I say this because it’s not really you I’m speaking to Junior. I’m speaking to the audience of fighters out there. You are looking for wisdom, young men. You should never have really changed your style, your style was one of brilliance. You are not a reflex fighter, which is what you have now gone to by dropping your hands. That’s part and parcel of the reason why you have decreased in ability as well as your age.”
Eubank’s last three fights include a knockout loss, his first, to Liam Smith, then a stoppage win in the rematch and a further KO victory back in October against Kamil Szeremeta. For this fight he will be trained by former Gennady Golovkin coach, Jonathon Banks.
