Ahead of the intriguing showdown with Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr insists that nothing – including public interference from his father – will stop the fight from continuing.
Chris Eubank Jr and Nigel Benn fought twice in the ’90s, thrilling fans in the process. Although the two hung up their gloves many years ago, the rivalry has been inherited by their sons and will be settled in the ring once again on October 8.
Amid the hype of the sell-out scene, one man – specifically Eubank Sr – was completely out of the game. Citing the 157lbs weight limit as dangerous for his son, who fought regularly at 160 and sometimes at 168, Eubank Sr is campaigning for a pause in the war.
Addressing his ex’s concerns directly, Eubank Jr accepts them but insists he can’t focus on anything other than preparing to win. The boxer revealed his thoughts exclusively to the Daily Star.
“I cannot let any negative thoughts or worries from anyone else influence my thinking and how I will continue this fight. He’s my dad, he can worry about me having to cut the weight and all the rest but I can’t let that affect me and what I want to do. I have to believe in myself.”
“I’m not saying he didn’t believe in me or believe I would do it but he said it was a danger. He is probably right. It’s a danger but I’m a dangerous person.”
This is the first time the boxer has publicly commented on his father’s disapproval of the fight. Eubank Sr recently doubled down on his plea for it to be pulled back, based on the untimely passing of his other son, Sebastian, to highlight the heartbreak he went through.
Eubank Jr says he will use suffering as a motivation.
“It’s annoying and sad that he can have those thoughts in his head, but that’s him. As a man, I have to do what I have to do to win and be able to show my best spirit.”
“Mentally, you can’t worry about family, friends or what happened in the past. I’m using my brother for fuel, I’m doing this for him.”
As for the relatively urgent matter of a coach on the night, Eubank Jr is still not sure if his father wants to be involved – but he is somewhat optimistic.
“I still hope that as we get closer to the war, we can come to some kind of agreement. At this point, I don’t know what he’s thinking. “
No matter who fills that crucial void in the corner, Eubank and Jr and Benn go through if the contract weight is reached. UK fans can follow along via DAZN PPV.
