Eubank Jr's Blood-Soaked Fashion Statement Makes Waves Before Benn Showdown

By Lewis Barnett 24 April, 2025 6 mins read 62 Views

Jesus Christ. Boxing's always been theatrical, but this is next level. Eubank Jr is walking around in a jacket with ACTUAL human blood stitched into it. Not just any blood—Liam Smith's blood. The man he knocked out last September. Let that sink in for a minute.

I've covered boxing for years, and sometimes I think I've seen it all. Then something like this happens and I'm reminded why this sport continues to fascinate even when it repulses. The 35-year-old middleweight has taken psychological warfare to an entirely new dimension ahead of Saturday's grudge match with Conor Benn at Tottenham's stadium.

Play Article Audio

Six Months to Create... Whatever This Is

According to teh Mail, this bizarre garment was designed by someone named Antonia Bronze and took half a year to complete. Half a year! I could've learned basic Spanish in that time, but instead, this designer was meticulously working blood into fabric. The jacket prominently displays "Eubank Jr" across the front along with "02.09.2023"—the date he finished Smith in the tenth round.

There's a Union Jack on the top left (because of course there is) and "Champion" running down one sleeve. The back features "NG" for Next Gen in massive letters. But the real kicker? A panel containing the phrase "It's In Your Blood"—which works on multiple levels of disturbing.

Not subtle, is it?

When Your Dad's Beef Becomes Your Inheritance

Back in 2018, I interviewed an old-timer who remembered the original Eubank-Benn rivalry like it was yesterday. "Those fights weren't just boxing matches," he told me, "they were national events." The fathers' feud from the 90s has now fully transferred to their sons—Chris Sr. beat Nigel in their first encounter in 1990, followed by that controversial draw three years later that still gets boxing forums fired up at 3am.

The whole thing reminds me of those ancient family feuds where nobody remembers how they started but everyone's obligated to keep hating each other. Except this one comes with pay-per-view rights and blood-stained fashion accessories.

Weight Drama: The Skeleton at the Feast

Listen. Weight cuts in boxing have always been dangerous games. For this weekend's fight, Junior has to hit 160lbs—the middleweight limit—at Friday's weigh-in. And there's a sneaky clause: he'll be fined if he rehydrates more than 10lbs by Saturday morning. My colleague who's been tracking Eubank's career for a decade texted me yesterday: "He probably walks around at 180. This is madness."

The original 2022 matchup had Eubank Jr trying to boil down to 157lbs, which his father has been vocal about being potentially lethal. "My son probably walks around at around 180lb and has to boil himself down to 160lb," the senior Eubank told The Sun. "People don't understand what it means for Junior to get down to 160lb, at his age. They don't understand the drying out."

I spent $200 on a nutritionist consultation last year just out of curiosity. When I mentioned boxing weight cuts, she looked at me like I'd suggested voluntary poisoning.

The Ghost of Boxing's Darkest Truth

Chris Eubank Sr. isn't being dramatic when he talks about the dangers. His own brother, Simon, died from boxing-related frontal lobe dementia. "In the end, Harlem was feeding him with a baby bottle, he had to feed his own father," Eubank Sr. revealed in what must have been a gut-wrenching interview.

That's the part of boxing nobody wants to talk about at the glamorous press conferences.

Eubank Jr's promoter Ben Shalom didn't mince words when discussing the previously planned 157lb limit: "It was irresponsible for everyone involved. I almost can't believe it now, knowing, working with Chris and seeing what his weight's like, 160 is a push. Absolutely crazy that that was ever agreed to."

The Blood Sport (Literally) Continues

So here we are. Saturday night at Tottenham. Two men carrying their fathers' legacies. One wearing the other's former opponent's blood like some kind of twisted fashion statement. And thousands will pay good money to watch.

I'll be there ringside, probably feeling conflicted as always—fascinated by the spectacle while wondering what it says about all of us that we can't look away.

And somewhere in a design studio, someone's probably already planning the next blood-soaked garment for whatever comes after this. Boxing, adn all its beautiful, terrible contradictions, marches on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn boxing at your home.

It's possible to learn boxing from home using instructional videos or fitness applications, but it's best to train with a professional coach in a gym to make sure you master the correct techniques. In addition, boxing clubs provide equipment and allow you to train with others.

What is the best way to learn boxing for beginners?

Beginners do not need to spar right away. This is only necessary once they have a good foundation of the basics and are in good physical condition. Under the guidance of a coach, and using protective equipment to ensure safety, it's important to spar.

How important does recovery play in boxing practice?

Boxing is all about recovery, as it allows you to grow stronger and heal faster. To ensure a speedy recovery, it is important to get enough rest, stretch, sleep well, drink plenty of water, eat nutritively, and follow a balanced diet. Ignoring recovery may lead to injury, overtraining and decreased performance.

What should i look for in a boxing studio?

When selecting a boxing gym, look for a welcoming environment, experienced and approachable instructors, a variety of classes suitable for different skill levels, quality equipment, and positive reviews or recommendations from current members. A trial session can also help you get a feel for the gym's atmosphere and training style.

Can boxing improve mental health?

Boxing is a great way to improve your mental health. It can reduce stress, enhance mood, boost self-esteem and discipline. The concentration required to train can also be used as a form meditation. It helps clear the brain and improves concentration.

What are common boxing mistakes beginners make?

The most common mistakes are: overextending your punches; dropping your hands; ignoring defense; holding your breath. You can correct these mistakes by working with a coach.

Statistics

On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.

External Links

How To

How to avoid common injuries in boxing

Start by practicing proper technique. From your punches to the way you walk, it's all part of preventing common injuries. Warm up well before training in order to avoid strains, increase muscle flexibility, and reduce injuries. Listen to your body as you gradually increase your intensity. Maintaining your protective equipment is vital to preventing injuries.