We’re almost four weeks out from the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr, and the hype train is steaming ahead. There’s one man, however, that’s refusing to buy into the theory that the fight will be in any way close.
It’s 29 years since Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn shared the ring for the second time, fighting to a split draw after Eubank Sr took victory in the first fight.
Now, preparing to reignite the family rivalry, his son is struggling to see any way in which he might lose. Speaking to Steve Bunce on 5 Live Boxing, Eubank Jr seemed baffled that people in boxing are picking Benn to win the 157 lbs catchweight clash.
“That’s the crazy thing about this is that seven out of 10 interviews that I’ve watched, ‘Chris Eubank is going to get knocked out in like the seventh to ninth round or he’ll lose on points.’ That’s what I’m hearing. It’s incredible.”
“People really believe this. Conor believes this. I saw his thing where he said he’s going to be the first person to stop me. He’ll be the strongest and the biggest he’s ever been, so that’s his advantage. He’s not going to have to cut an inch – so he’s going to be fully ready to go, whereas I don’t know how I’m going to be. I hope that I’m going to be good.”
“Does it worry me? No, because I don’t see a way that he can beat me. So even if I’m not 100%, even if I’m 60%, I just don’t see how he can beat me. I think I’m too strong, I think I’m too smart, too tough. You know, super middleweights cannot put me on the canvas. Heavyweights in Cuba cannot put me on the canvas. How is Conor Benn gonna’ do it?”
“Other people – experienced people, respected people in the industry – are saying that they can see him knocking me out. Maybe I’m missing something, I don’t know, but that’s the excitement of this fight.”
As far as names, Eubank Jr didn’t mention who in the sport is picking against him – although there has been some debate amongst fans. Specifically, will the weight cut be too much for the bigger man?
As he said, therein lies the excitement for October 8 on DAZN PPV.