Look, I've been following boxing since my dad dragged me to a smoky pub to watch Tyson fights in the 90s, and I'm telling you - this Eubank Jr vs Benn showdown has got me losing sleep. Not just because it's gonna be epic, but because the family drama behind it makes the Kardashians look like teh Brady Bunch.
Saturday night. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Two men with boxing royalty DNA stepping into the ring to settle a feud that started before either of them could throw a proper punch. And I'm here for it.
The Weight Cut That's Freaking Everyone Out
First things first - this 11st 6lb middleweight cap has got the entire Eubank clan on edge. And honestly? They should be. Cutting weight is brutal. I remember watching a fighter backstage in 2018 who looked like actual death warmed up, sipping water through cracked lips after making weight. Poor bastard got knocked out in the second round.
Chris Sr is particularly vocal about it. The man's lost his brother to boxing-related injuries and he's terrified his son might be next. Can't blame him.
Who The Hell Are These Eubanks Anyway?
If you're new to this saga, lemme break it down for you.
The Eubank family tree is like something out of Game of Thrones, but with more monocles and fewer dragons. At the top sits Chris Eubank Sr - boxing legend, fashion eccentric, and a man who speaks like he's constantly auditioning for a Shakespeare play.
Jr has been trying to crawl out from under his dad's shadow for years. "It's a big shadow," he told Piers Morgan recently. No shit, mate. When your dad is literally one of the most recognizable figures in British boxing history, that's gonna be a tough act to follow.
The Tragic Loss That Tore Them Apart
In 2021, the Eubank family was shattered when Sebastian - Chris Jr's younger brother - died from a heart attack at just 29. It was devastating.
Jr admitted he hadn't cried since he was 12 until that day. "Yesterday I cried the whole day," he shared in a heartbreaking Instagram post.
This tragedy only widened the rift between Jr and Sr. "With my brother passing away, that affected him in a deep way — affected all of us — mental health is a real thing," Jr explained. Grief does strange things to families. Sometimes it pulls you together; sometimes it tears you apart like wet paper.
Wait... His Sister Dates WHO?!
Here's where it gets properly awkward. Emily Eubank, Jr's 31-year-old sister, has been dating Frank Smith since 2016. And who's Frank Smith? Only the CEO of Matchroom and Conor Benn's promoter!
Talk about Sunday dinner table tension. Smith even admitted Emily once called him an "a**hole" after overhearing his boxing business calls. "Sometimes I have to say 'wait a minute I've just got to leave the room' or be like 'right, Emily's in the car so I can't talk yet,'" he confessed.
God. Imagine having to promote a fight against your girlfriend's brother. That's like trying to navigate a minefield while juggling flaming torches.
The Uncle Who Boxing "Killed"
Simon Eubank's story is the dark underbelly of this sport we love. Chris Sr's brother had a tough career - 7 wins, 20 losses - and died last year at 61, with Sr blaming boxing for giving him frontal lobe dementia.
"My brother is dead from boxing," Sr stated bluntly. "He lost his life from boxing."
This explains Sr's paranoia about Jr's weight cut. When you've watched boxing destroy someone you love, you see danger everywhere.
Cousin Harlem: The Quiet Achiever
While everyone's focused on Jr vs Benn, there's another Eubank quietly building an impressive career. Harlem Eubank - Jr's cousin - is 21-0 in the welterweight division and looking sharper with every fight.
Interestingly, he avoided boxing until he was 18. Started as a Brighton football academy kid, then became a karate world champion. But boxing was in his blood.
I watched his last fight against McKenna. The way he moves... it's different from Jr. More fluid, less robotic. He's backing his cousin to beat Benn, naturally, but he's not just doing it out of family loyalty - he's spotted technical flaws in Benn's approach.
Listen. Saturday night is gonna be wild. Two sons trying to write their own legacies while carrying the weight of their fathers' rivalry. A family divided by business, united by blood.
And me? I'll be watching from the edge of my couch, probably spilling beer at every big moment adn wondering if the Eubank-Benn saga will ever truly end.
Something tells me it won't.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do amateurs progress to professional boxers?
As you transition from amateur to pro boxing, your competition intensity, mental preparation, and training will increase significantly. A boxer who wants to become a professional must have a solid track record. This is usually achieved by competing in local and national competitions. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.
Does learning professional boxing have an age restriction?
Professional boxing does have age restrictions. Most boxing federations require that boxers are at least 18 to fight professionally. Although there is not a set age limit for the upper age bracket, factors like physical capability and health will naturally limit what age one can safely and effectively compete. Prior to taking up professional sports, it's important for older athletes be evaluated thoroughly for fitness and safety.
What qualities should a person look for in a trainer or coach of boxing?
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 trainer will emphasize safety, fitness, and personal development. It is also important to find a boxing coach who can motivate you and communicate effectively.
Anyone can learn how to box professionally.
Although boxing can be enjoyed by many, not all will have the skills to compete at professional levels. Professional boxing demands a unique combination of talent as well as physical abilities, mental strength and dedication. The sport has inherent risks that potential boxers will have to be willing and able to take. A thorough examination by a trainer is a good way to determine whether or not someone has potential for a boxing career.
How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?
Mental toughness in professional boxing is as crucial as physical conditioning. Resilience, focus, pressure-handling ability, and psychological fortitude are all required in the sport. Mental preparation involves visualization, stress management techniques, and developing a strong mindset to confront the challenges within the ring. Without mental toughness, a boxer may struggle to perform optimally under the intense conditions of professional competition.
What equipment is essential for someone starting in professional boxing?
The essential boxing equipment for someone who is just getting started in professional fighting includes gloves, wraps, a headgear and footwear. The use of a heavy, speed, or double-end bag is essential for technical workouts. It's crucial to use quality equipment that offers protection and durability, as subpar gear can increase the risk of injury.
How important is physical training in professional boxing?
Physical conditioning is paramount in professional boxing. Sport requires high levels strength, speed endurance and agility. Professional boxers have to adhere to a specific fitness program which includes aerobic, anaerobic, strength, resistance, and flexibility exercises. Boxers' ability to perform and train effectively in the ring will be compromised if they do not have superior physical condition.
Statistics
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
- On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
- Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
External Links
How To
Start training for professional boxing
A strategic and dedicated approach is required to begin your professional journey. Find a boxing gym that has experienced trainers with a good reputation. You can start by building a solid foundation with the fundamentals of stance, footwork and correct punching techniques. Conditioning is crucial, so include cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises as part of your daily routine. Additionally, immerse yourself in the sport by studying professional fights and learning from the best, being diligent about practice, and staying consistent with your training regimen.
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