Eubank Jr's Final Chapter in Career-Defining Rivalry
Chris Eubank Jr finds himself in familiar territory, preparing to face his nemesis Conor Benn once more, but this training camp carries an intensity unlike anything before. Nine months after defeating Benn in their initial encounter, the British boxer has returned to the grind, determined to secure another statement victory that could finally close a rivalry that has shaped the second act of his career.
The highly anticipated rematch scheduled for November 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium represents more than just another fight - it's an opportunity to settle the score definitively. Daily Mail Sport gained exclusive access to Eubank Jr's training base in Dubai, witnessing firsthand the brutal conditioning sessions, sparring exchanges, and innovative recovery techniques designed to extend his fighting years.
The BoMac Factor: A Strategic Partnership
Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre, renowned trainer of American boxing sensation Terence Crawford, has returned to Eubank Jr's corner after previously guiding him to victory over Liverpool's Liam Smith in 2023. The training environment has transformed significantly under BoMac's leadership compared to previous camps with Jonathan Banks.
The atmosphere is noticeably louder and more collaborative, with trainers frequently talking over each other, strength and conditioning coaches timing repetitions, and BoMac shouting corrections across the ring. Assistant coach 'Red' analyses old fights on a cinema-style screen, breaking down movements and debating tactical approaches.
Eubank Jr explains his decision to reunite with BoMac: "I decided to team back up with BoMac because he's smart, cunning, cerebral. He studies guys, figures them out, finds the weak points. I wanted new eyes on this fight. We can't come with the same tactics."
A Glimpse Into the Daily Grind
When Eubank Jr enters the gym, the dynamic shifts immediately. Dressed in Prada and carrying a Louis Vuitton duffle bag, he unpacks limited-edition England-flag boxing boots, pre-made hand wraps, gloves, and blister plasters. He meticulously tends to the toenail he famously lost during the first Benn fight, demonstrating the attention to detail that characterises his preparation.
His warm-up routine has evolved significantly over the years. "When you've been in this sport as long as I have, you have to respect your body," Eubank Jr reflects. "I can't just walk in cold and start throwing punches anymore. The warm-up takes as long as the session now. I've learned how to prepare properly. Longevity is the goal."
The core training circuit is relentlessly demanding: three minutes of pad work at maximum intensity, followed by one-minute treadmill sprints, three minutes on the body bag, one-minute assault bike bursts, then core work for a minute. This punishing sequence repeats six times without interruption.
"I am training twice a day, six days a week," Eubank Jr reveals. "That's what it takes. You've got your strength and conditioning, your sparring, your pad work, your runs, your stretching. Then outside of that, it's the food, the recovery, the sleep. Every part matters."
Recvolutionary Recovery Methods
Eubank Jr has become increasingly focused on recovery as he advances in his career. "When you're younger, you can train hard and just go again the next day. At this stage, recovery is just as important as training. It's what lets me stay sharp, keeps me from burning out," he explains.
While many athletes embrace cold therapy, Eubank Jr has a surprising aversion: "I've tried things like cold plunges. We have two large cold plunges at the gym but I stay away from them. I've tried cryo-chambers too. I can't do it. I'd rather get punched in the face. That pain I can deal with. The cold? No chance."
Instead, he relies on daily deep-tissue massages to flush out lactic acid and address the aches from intense training. He's also incorporated red light therapy into his routine, using a full-body lamp at home to reduce inflammation and accelerate regeneration.
Sparring: Where Truth Emerges
Sparring sessions reveal the serious nature of Eubank Jr's preparation. He works with three primary partners during camp, including Liverpool Olympic hopeful Odel Kamara and English super-middleweight champion Troy Williamson, alongside unpredictable fighters brought in from Cameroon to test different styles.
"Sparring's not my favourite part of camp," Eubank Jr admits. "It's the most important. Pads and bags don't hit back. You've got to get hit, hurt people. It's war, three times a week. That's where you find out if everything else is working - timing, reactions, fitness. You can't fake sparring."
As each session concludes, Eubank Jr slips off his gloves and leans against the ropes, sweat pouring, satisfied with another day's work completed. His focus then shifts to the evening ahead with Raheem, his late brother's son whom he helps raise - a precious moment of normalcy before the cycle begins again tomorrow, counting down to what promises to be a rematch for the ages.
