Date: 23/02/2019
Venue: O2 Arena
TV: ITV Box Office
Chris Eubank Jnr has the hunger and desire to outwork James DeGale in Saturday’s grudge fight at London’s O2 Arena.
At 29, the Brighton boxer is four years younger than his opponent and has significantly fewer miles on the clock from a well-managed career.
That is expected to prove decisive in this intriguing match-up and we’re on the slight favourite at 31/50 for our first DeGale vs Eubank prediction.
Eubank has sadly fallen short of his famous father’s exploits in the ring, twice being beaten when stepping up in class.
He was shaded on a split decision when challenging Billy Joe Saunders for the British, Commonwealth and European middleweight titles in November 2014.
George Groves then had too much class for Eubank when defending his WBO super-middleweight belt 12 months ago, although a badly-cut eye didn’t help the loser.
However, Eubank has won his other 27 bouts, 21 by knockout, and has a couple of decent scalps on his CV in former world champion Arthur Abraham and Avni Yildirim, who has a 21-1 record.
Although giving up a fair size and reach advantage, Eubank is a busy enough fighter to expose any signs of ageing by DeGale.
Eubank said: “He’s had some hard fights, that’s for sure. A fight like this, especially against me, could be career ending.
“I’m relentless, I don’t stop. Volume, speed, power, it’s all a dangerous combination and he knows that.”
DeGale in decline judged on recent evidence
DeGale has already admitted he could retire after this clash, whatever the outcome.
Since a dramatic draw against Badou Jack in January 2017, the Olympic gold medallist has looked to be feeling the effects of a punishing career.
Chunky demonstrated potential signs of decline in his two fights against Caleb Truax and knocking out Fidel Munoz in September told us little.
“After this good win, I’ll maybe knock it on the head – I don’t know,” said DeGale.
“I could go on to have another three or four fights; I’m not too sure.
“I’m in a good position where I’m happy and content in what I’ve done with my career. I’ve left my mark. I’m sitting nice. I’ve always said I’m taking every fight as it comes.”
Hopes of a lucrative rematch with Groves, who beat him back in 2011, have evaporated and this may just be one last pay-day.
Let’s add 7/5 for Chunky to be stopped inside the distance to our DeGale vs Eubank betting tips, with his corner maybe calling it a day if the 33-year-old is taking punishment late on.
Looking at the DeGale vs Eubank odds, a ninth-round victory takes the eye at 16/1.
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