God. I can't stop thinking about this story. Boxing's always been brutal, but when it gets personal like this—when family trauma fuels the drama—it hits different.
Chris Eubank Sr. isn't just being an overprotective father or a boxing diva with his opposition to Saturday's fight between his son and Conor Benn. The man is haunted. Literally haunted by what this sport did to his brother Simon, who died last September at 61 after suffering through the nightmare of frontal lobe dementia.
When Your Brother Dies With a Baby Bottle
The image keeps playing in my head. Harlem Eubank—Simon's son and a 31-year-old undefeated welterweight—feeding his own father with a baby bottle in those final months. That's not metaphorical. That actually happened.
"In the end, Harlem was feeding him with a baby bottle, he had to feed his own father," Eubank Sr. told reporters, his voice cracking.
I spoke with a boxing trainer back in 2018 who described dementia pugilistica as "dying while you're still breathing." Seems about right.
The Weight Cut Nobody's Talking About
Listen. The real danger here isn't Conor Benn's punching power. It's the scale.
Junior naturally walks around at approximately 180lbs. He's gotta drop to 160lbs for this fight—at 35 years old. And there's that rehydration clause that limits how much weight he can put back on after weigh-in. Anybody who's ever tried to cut significant weight knows how it scrambles your brain, weakens your chin, and leaves you vulnerable.
The original fight in 2022 was supposed to be at 157lbs, which is even more insane. As Eubank Sr. put it: "Trying to boil my son down to 157lbs a few years ago, would have killed him."
Even Jr's promoter Ben Shalom admitted: "It should have never been at 157. It was irresponsible for everyone involved."
No shit.
What Happens When You're Boxing Cannon Fodder
The contrast between the Eubank brothers' careers tells you everything about boxing's dark underbelly.
Chris Sr. made millions, fought 52 times, and only got stopped once—in his final fight when he'd moved all teh way up to cruiserweight. Meanwhile, Simon lost 20 tough fights, 11 by stoppage, in places most boxing fans have never heard of: Wisbech, Battersea, Brentford.
He was what the industry calls "an opponent." The guy brought in to lose. The designated victim. The stepping stone.
"That is boxing and 20 losses at the hands of the promoters," Eubank Sr. explained. "It's a business and a racket and when you keep bringing the same guy in to lose, he ends up being killed."
Too Much Death for One Family
The Eubanks have been through hell. Beyond Simon's dementia death, they're still processing the shocking 2021 death of Sebastian Eubank—Chris Sr.'s son and Junior's brother—who suffered a heart attack at just 29, weeks after becoming a father.
That's a lot of grief for one family to carry.
Why Isn't Anyone Listening?
What frustrates me about this whole saga is how Eubank Sr.—a man who's lived through boxing's worst consequences—is being portrayed as difficult or unreasonable.
"I am a dad. I am a protector, I am trying to steer him in the right direction," he said, emotion evident. "I am not giving him any bad or wrong advice."
Then came the part that broke my heart: "I am his dad and the fact he has chosen not to listen means all I can do is step back and watch the car crash—because it will be a car crash."
I spent $4K on tickets to see Eubank-Benn I back in 2022 before it got canceled due to Benn's doping scandal. My editor bet me $20 I wouldn't get a refund. (He was right.)
The Spite Factor
One thing Eubank Sr. isn't worried about? Benn's tough talk.
"When you want to hurt someone, your energy is halved," he explained. "If he has all of this spite then it's hot air."
He's got a point. Benn hasn't knocked anyone out in three years, adn his last two fights at super-welterweight were boring decision wins. All that anger might actually work against him.
Poor Harlem. Standing beside his uncle while they discuss how his father deteriorated. That's trauma on trauma.
I wonder if anyone will actually listen before someone else gets seriously hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for when choosing a boxing trainer?
In choosing a boxing instructor or coach, you should consider their experience, track record, coaching style compatibility, and understanding of technical and tactical aspects. A good coach will also stress safety, conditioning and personal growth. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.
What are the requirements to train for professional boxing?
Before beginning to train for professional boxing one must be committed to physical fitness and discipline. They also need to have an eagerness to learn. To begin training, it is important to learn all the fundamentals. This includes stances, footwork techniques, punches, defensive techniques, etc. It's imperative to join a reputable boxing gym with experienced trainers who understand the nuances of professional competition. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.
How long is it usually required to become a professional fighter?
The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It depends on a person's ability, adaptability, and quality of training. On average, it could take several years of dedicated training and successful amateur experience before one is ready to turn professional. Some exceptional talent may advance faster, while others might need more development time.
What role does a manager or promoter play in the career of a professional boxer?
Promoters and managers are crucial to a professional boxer's career. Managers are responsible for guiding the boxer's career path, negotiating contracts, and handling the business affairs of the boxer. The managers also help the boxer to choose the best fights, and look after his interests. The promoters focus more on organizing events, marketing fights and attracting sponsors and audience attention. This increases a boxer’s public profile and earnings potential.
How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?
Mental toughness, just like physical conditioning, is essential in professional fighting. The sport requires resilience, focus and the ability to handle stress, as well as the psychological fortitude needed to overcome adversity. Mental preparation is a combination of stress management, visualization and a strong mentality to meet the challenges that are faced in the ring. Without mental toughness in the ring, boxers may not be able perform to their full potential.
How important is physical fitness in professional boxing?
Boxing is a sport that requires physical fitness. The sport demands that athletes have high levels in strength, speed, stamina, and agility. Professional boxers must engage in a tailored fitness program that includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, and flexibility workouts. A boxer cannot train efficiently and perform well in the ring without superior physical fitness.
What equipment do you need to get started in professional Boxing?
Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. Technical workouts require a heavy bag or speed bag as well as a double-end, double-end, or other training aids. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.
Statistics
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
External Links
How To
How to land your first professional boxing fight
You will need a combination training, networking and marketing to get your first professional boxing match. Develop a strong amateur history to gain attention and showcase your skills. Network with gym owners, trainers, and promoters who might offer opportunities or know of openings on fight cards. Promote your brand by creating promotional materials, such as highlight reels of your fights. Also, maintain a strong social media presence. Stay prepared to fight so that when the opportunity arises you don't hesitate.
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