We take a look at the make-up of former super-middleweight world champion Chris Eubank Jr and assess how his skillset and mindset could propel him to victory at London’s O2 Arena.
Experience could be key…
There is no doubt that Chris Eubank Jr possesses vastly more experience within the professional ranks than his younger opponent, Conor Benn.
When the former IBO super-middleweight champion steps through the ropes at the O2 Arena on October 8th, he will be doing so for the 35th time in his career, and that, you’d think, will be to his advantage.
Critics may argue that within those previous 34 fights, few have been against elite-level operators… but still, there are a handful of victories that do back-up Eubank Jr’s own claims that he is a true world-level contender.
The most recent of those coming against Liam Williams back in February, as the Londoner crossed the Welsh border to dismantle the hometown favourite in brutally brilliant fashion.
Junior floored his opponent in the first, second, fourth and 11th rounds en-route to what many perceive to be the most eye-catching and impressive win of his career to date.
It was a level of performance he will be desperate to replicate against Benn.
Whilst Benn (20-0) undoubtedly has youth on his side, Eubank Jr boasts that all-crucial big fight experience and in-ring IQ, and that could ultimately prove decisive on fight night.
(Eubank Jr to Win - 4/9).
Height and reach advantage significantly favours Eubank Jr…
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that all the vital physical statistics lean heavily in Junior’s favour.
At 5’11 he stands three inches taller than Benn, whilst he naturally carries around a stone more in weight and also boasts a five inch reach advantage too.
Those stats alone, if utilised correctly of course, should enable him to keep his opponent at arm’s length as the 33-year-old plots a route to what he believes will be ‘a straightforward’ victory.
Benn will be the aggressor, there is no doubt about that, and Eubank Jr will, for the most part, be happy to play the role of the matador to the bull.
Not that Eubank Jr will be fighting on the back foot – far from it, in fact.
But he will certainly be looking to keep the more aggressive and tenacious Benn at bay, and capitalise on his own slick movement and quick hands to counter any offence.
The big questions for Benn will be whether he can, a; nullify Eubank’s jab and, b; boast a chin strong enough to take the power punches of an opponent of such size and stature.
If not, then it could be a relatively early, and explosive, finish!
(Eubank Jr to Win by KO, TKO or Disqualification - Evens).
Related Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn Content:
Boxing: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn - Nelson’s Column
Our resident boxing expert Johnny Nelson previews the much anticipated showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, and explains why he is favouring the outsider at 7/4.
Boxing: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn - All you need to know
Almost 30 years on since the second and final bout between their two legendary fathers - Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn - their sons Chris Jr and Conor are set to rekindle this famous British rivalry at London's O2 Arena on 8th October.
Chris Eubank Jr odds on with bet365 to stop Conor Benn
Chris Eubank Jr is the clear favourite with bet365 to beat his domestic rival Conor Benn, with the bigger man also odds-on to stop Benn.
An historical Eubank advantage…
Like him or loathe him, Eubank Jr is an astute boxer, who has crafted his own legacy for himself well out of Eubank Sr’s often large and imposing shadow.
Junior carries himself in the same confident and often cocky manner as his esteemed father – something the Benns have publically voiced taking real offence to.
There is real history to this fight. There is real bad blood too – we all know that, but Eubank Jr will undoubtedly look for that history and animosity to give him an even greater edge on the night.
Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, the two original foes of this now second-generation family-feud, will both be in attendance at the O2 Arena, in each of their son’s corner.
And you just know that the pair will be trying their hardest to influence this trilogy bout, almost three decades on from their own last in-ring meeting, which controversially ended in a split-decision draw.
Eubank Jr is hell bent on delivering the same knockout finish that his father did when he, as the underdog, managed to prize the WBO middleweight strap from Nigel back in one of the most electric nights in British boxing history in 1990.
It’s a fight and a performance he will have watched over and over, both as a child and now as a man, and one that he, himself, will be adamant on replicating.
Odds above were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
You can view all available betting markets for the fight here.
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