Chris Eubank Jr has been told by his father, former world champion Chris Eubank Sr, that he is 'shot and spent' as a boxer following his points defeat to Conor Benn in November. The 36-year-old was beaten convincingly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, seven months after narrowly defeating Benn at the same venue.
Eubank Jr later revealed he had been dealing with several health issues before the fight and posted a worrying photo of himself in hospital. He has since taken time away from the ring, becoming a father to two boys earlier this year. Many have urged him to retire, but promoter Ben Shalom has suggested he could return this summer at super-middleweight.
Speaking to Playbook Boxing, Eubank Sr said: 'You cannot pour riches or wisdom into vessels which think they are full. He thinks he's full. He's shot. He's spent. The boxing authorities, the boxing experts, everyone can see it, but no one's paying attention to it.' He added that watching his son fight is 'traumatising' and that he only wishes Junior 'luck and mercy'.
Eubank Sr also expressed concern that his son might continue boxing, saying: 'I've learned the hard way. When someone doesn't want you… I can't have a relationship with you if you don't take my advice.' The pair had a fractured relationship before repairing it last year ahead of the first Benn fight.
Shalom, however, said Eubank Jr is addressing underlying medical issues and expects a full recovery. 'He lives the life and then he can come back in a healthy and safe way,' Shalom said. 'But until that's completely resolved then he won't go again in a ring.'
