The sudden downfall of a boxing legend: Chris Eubank Jr.'s journey from dominance to decline.
It's shocking to realize that Chris Eubank Jr.'s decline was so evident, yet it took a rematch with Conor Benn to expose his physical deterioration. But let's rewind the clock to uncover the clues that foretold this fate.
The signs were there as early as 2019. After dominating James DeGale over 12 rounds at middleweight, Eubank made a decision that would change his trajectory. He opted to return to middleweight, a weight class he hadn't competed in for two years. This move, some argue, marked the beginning of his transformation.
Fast forward to December 2019, and Eubank's first middleweight contest after the switch provided little insight. Matvey Korobov's retirement due to injury just 34 seconds into the second round left fans with more questions than answers.
Eubank's next fight, a 10-round closed-door affair against Marcus Morrison in May 2021, showcased his control but lacked the usual flair. Despite his age, Eubank struggled to impose his athleticism, a concerning sign against a fighter who would later be knocked out by Zach Parker and Denzel Bentley.
The pandemic played its part, too. Eubank's extended time on the sidelines and the lack of a lively atmosphere may have contributed to his underwhelming performance. But was this just a temporary setback?
The answer became clearer in subsequent fights. Eubank, once a dominant force, struggled to replicate his past performances. His shot resistance, once a pillar of his success, seemed to wane. The weight-cutting process, it seemed, was taking its toll.
A controversial rematch with Liam Smith in September 2023 further clouded the picture. While Eubank demolished Smith, it was later revealed that Smith had endured injuries and pressure from his promoter to take the fight. This victory, though impressive, left more questions than answers.
The buildup to the highly anticipated Conor Benn showdown revealed a different Eubank. His legs lacked the spring, his chin the resilience, and his punches the power of old. Despite winning on points, the grueling weight cut and the hospital stay that followed hinted at a fighter pushing his limits.
And then, the unthinkable happened. In April, Eubank faced Benn, a fighter unproven at welterweight, and barely survived. The man who had once dominated middleweights was now on the ropes. The physical toll of severe dehydration, age, and extreme weight cutting had caught up with him.
So, was this decline inevitable? Could it have been prevented? These questions linger as Eubank's legacy hangs in the balance. The boxing world is left to ponder what could have been and what the future holds for this once-dominant fighter.
