British boxing star Chris Eubank Jr has been told he has nothing left to prove in the sport following his gruelling defeat to rival Conor Benn last weekend. The 36-year-old was brutally outclassed in their highly-anticipated grudge rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, suffering a unanimous decision loss after being dropped twice during the fight.
A Family Perspective on the Defeat
The assessment comes from Eubank Jr's cousin, Harlem Eubank, who watched the sequel from home while preparing for his own return to the ring. Speaking exclusively to All Out Fighting, Harlem revealed he could tell something was wrong with his cousin from the very first round.
"First of all, what an amazing event it was," Harlem stated. "The entertainment. The production. Everyone involved did a great job in terms of bringing that show business to boxing in the UK. It was a great advert for the sport."
Despite the disappointing performance, Harlem expressed pride in Eubank Jr for managing to go the full twelve rounds against a "much hungrier and younger fighter." He observed that his cousin lacked his usual strength, energy, and snap throughout the contest.
Concerns Over Condition and Future
This was the second meeting between the two fighters within seven months. Eubank Jr had secured a razor-thin decision victory in their initial showdown back in April at the same London venue. However, the first fight came with significant controversy, as Eubank Jr's father, boxing legend Chris Sr, condemned the bout, insisting his son was dangerously boiling down to make the middleweight limit.
The 36-year-old spent two nights in hospital due to severe dehydration following that April fight. Ahead of the rematch, Chris Sr had urged his son to retire from the sport.
Harlem Eubank confirmed that his cousin is aware he was not in top condition for the sequel. "I think he feels ok. He knows he was not himself," Harlem said. "He knows he was not in the best condition. I feel like he already knows that."
He added that Eubank Jr is now expected to take some time away from the ring to relax with his family and reflect on his next steps.
What Next for the British Boxing Star?
With many within the boxing fraternity now urging the Brit to retire, his cousin believes Eubank Jr has already secured his legacy. "I think there is a lot that he can do," Harlem explained. "He has been one of the most entertaining figures in British boxing in recent times."
Harlem emphasised that the decision ultimately rests with Eubank Jr himself, but firmly stated: "He has got nothing left to prove in the sport. He has achieved a lot. He has been an integral part of the entertainment value of those two great fights that have kind of spearheaded British boxing back to the forefront. As Sr said, he is a legend. He has won the hearts of the people."
Meanwhile, Conor Benn is set to move back down to welterweight, with aspirations of becoming a world champion at 147lbs. While a potential third fight remains a possibility down the line, it appears the immediate future for Chris Eubank Jr lies outside the ropes as he contemplates his next chapter.
