The day of reckoning for warring Super Middleweights Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr is finally almost upon us. For both potential superstars, Saturday night’s battle goes way beyond the realms of a boxing ring, it’s become very personal.
Over the past year, Chris Eubank Jr., the namesake of the enigmatic former world champion Chris Eubank Sr., has pestered the reigning British, Commonwealth and European champion, at every interview and press conference claiming that Billy Joe would not stand a chance against the man who calls himself “The Next Gen,” labeling Saunders “Average Joe” to the media.
Since then, Saunders has bitten back, igniting a monumental feud between the pair’s respective camps, culminated in so many unpredictable twists and turns in this captivating melodrama, that will come to a head on Saturday night.
So just a few days on since the highly anticipated grudge match between Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly failed to deliver up to the mammoth hype, miserably, we can only hope that Saunders versus Eubank Jr. proves to be quite the contrary.
Tale of the Tape
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Both undefeated pugilists are similar in age as well as their records, but that is where the similarity ends.
Billy Joe Saunders has built up an impressive resume of very good opposition, disposing of 11 inside the distance, which has seen him cruise towards world title contention.
On the other hand, the contrasting difference between Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr.’s record is clearly apparent. Eubank’s record lacks any sort of recognizable challenge, therefore his record has been up for debate, because after 18 pro bouts, he should have faced at least one worthy opponent who is there to win, not just survive.
Despite his lack of big names, The Next Gen does hold the edge in power with a 72 KO percentage over the reigning champion who has 55 percent. But again, Eubank Jr.’s below par opponents raise the question whether he does have the devastating power he claims.
Eubank Jr. has shown glimpses of brilliance though, so who knows, he may back up his father’s claims that he is the best fighter in the world, because we simply do not know what the 25 year old from Brighton is capable of. Nevertheless, you can understand the reasons why Saunders chose to take this fight, but he does not need Eubank Jr.
Could Saunders end up regretting this decision, forcing him to take a backward step in his bid for a world title, all just to settle a feud?
Main Storylines
From the very beginning, the Billy Joe Saunders vs. Chris Eubank Jr. duel seemed destined to fail before it even got started.
The fight was off, seemingly beyond repair, then unexpectedly it was back on again, and the constant outrageous demands from the elder Eubank had both Frank Warren and Saunders ready to spontaneously combust.
Then, after all the talk of his son being superior to Floyd Mayweather Jr., Eubank Sr. has done everything in his power to keep his son out of harms way of the former Olympian Saunders, starting with several no shows at press conferences.
The reason the former WBO Super Middleweight champ was apparently tentative about showing up at pressers, was because of a remark made by Saunders a while back about how he would slap Chris Jr., which has made Eubank Sr.’s father sense tingle. Since then, the monocle wearing gentleman has scrutinized the level of security provided by Frank Warren at the aforementioned press conferences, stating that even though his son is a boxer, he would not be safe at presser due to the threats of Billy Joe.
However, Saunders has taken radical measures to attempt to face his nemesis head on, with the infamous Skype press conference in which he gatecrashed a Eubank press conference via Skype to finally have his say.
There have been numerous spats throughout the build up to this affair, you could write a book about it. Come Saturday night though this intense rivalry will step up a notch, when both men will have the opportunity to do their talking in the ring, proving once and for all, who is the best.
Strengths for Each Man
Billy Joe Saunders
Billy Joe Saunders is an extremely talented fighter with a lot of quality attributes, but his constant movement has to be one of his greatest assets.
Saunders’ ability to evade shots while coming back with scoring counters is extremely impressive, forcing his opponents to become more and more frustrated as the rounds go on.
The Hertfordshire fighter isn’t the hardest of punchers in the division, however he can box circles around his opposition, inevitably breaking their heart.
The extensive amateur pedigree behind Saunders has stood him in good stead in the pro ranks and if he can use that elusive footwork, to pick off the inexperienced Eubank Jr., then it could be a very successful night indeed for the reigning British, Commonwealth and European Middleweight king.
Chris Eubank Jr.
Following in the footsteps of his eccentric father, Chris Eubank Jr. is without doubt a carbon copy of his dad. The showboating along with the explosiveness seems to be in the Eubank DNA, yet it does divide opinion, as fans despise the cocksure attitude.
Behind that exterior though there is a talented fighter, who has shown that he has the potential to go far. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen enough of Eubank Jr. to suggest how far he will go.
Still, the 25 year old has proved that he packs a punch and with his very fast hands. Eubank Jr. could be a recipe for disaster for any fighter, not just Saunders. Also, he seems to be very capable of prolonging a sustained attack of power shots, so if Billy Joe is not on top form on Saturday, he could find himself conquered.
Weaknesses for Each Man
Billy Joe Saunders
It is difficult to try and pin point a flaw in the game of Billy Joe Saunders, yet my only worry for him on Saturday is that if he chooses to abandon his very successful style to chase the Eubank Jr. knockout, then he could leave himself open and exposed for his heavy-handed rival.
This is very possible, due to the bad blood expressed by both men throughout the buildup. It’s quite conceivable that Saunders is taking the insults too personally, which could turn out to be a fatal mistake.
Chris Eubank Jr
There is no question that the junior enigma is explosive and very impressive when he does explode, but he is a very lazy fighter.
In one of his previous bouts, Eubank Jr. stood in one position throughout the entire first round, throwing only one punch. I am aware this is all a part of the show; still I am certain that Eubank Jr. will not get away with this against Saunders, who will expose that imperfection if he chooses to showboat and play up.
The Winner and Why
So as the door closes on one big rivalry this week, another door immediately opens, providing the boxing world with a different mouthwatering matchup that is just as absorbing.
The Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr. showdown is a real pick ’em fight that has many stumped as to who they believe the winner will be.
Nevertheless, I’m going to go out on a limb and predict a Saunders victory, due to his experience along with his evasive style and superior engine, which should frustrate the cagey Eubank Jr. leading to a close points victory for Saunders.
It will in no way be an easy fight for the reigning European champion, regardless of the talk beforehand and I am almost certain that there will be respect between the two when the final bell sounds.
Still, I will not be too surprised if the decision goes the other way, with team Eubank Jr. backing up their claims that The Next Gen is exactly that, ruling the Middleweight division for years to come.
But the question still remains, has Saunders underestimated Eubank Jr. or has Eubank Jr. bitten off more than he can chew?
Well, come Saturday night, all of our questions will at last be answered.
