Boxing Legend Delivers Stark Reality Check
British boxing star Chris Eubank Jr faces what could be the most challenging fight of his career this weekend as he prepares for his highly anticipated rematch against Conor Benn. The middleweight showdown takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 15, just months after their first brutal encounter.
Age and Recovery Concerns Mount
Former world champion Carl Froch has issued a serious warning to Eubank Jr, suggesting that time may be running out for the 36-year-old fighter. Speaking on No Glove Lost, Froch expressed doubts about Eubank Jr's ability to reproduce the performance that secured his narrow points victory back in April.
"Because of Chris Eubank Jr's age and how hard the first fight was – and how his father has reinforced the weight-cutting problem – I just think he won't be as good in the rematch," Froch stated. He emphasised that younger fighters like Benn tend to improve between matches, while older athletes often face physical decline.
Previous Fight Takes Heavy Toll
The first encounter between these rivals proved exceptionally demanding for Eubank Jr. The Brighton-born boxer was forced to pay £375,000 after failing to make weight for the April bout. Following their twelve-round war, Eubank Jr required two nights in hospital due to severe dehydration, raising questions about his preparation and physical resilience.
Despite these challenges, Eubank Jr finished strongly in their first meeting, pushing hard in the final rounds to secure victory. However, Froch believes repeating that level of performance will be difficult. "From my experience, you get a bit slower, the training becomes a bit harder, the desire, it's just harder when you're older," he explained.
Retirement Calls and Fighter's Response
Several figures within boxing have suggested that Eubank Jr should consider retirement regardless of Saturday's outcome – including his own father, Chris Eubank Sr. Yet the fighter remains defiant about his future in the sport.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Eubank Jr addressed the retirement speculation directly. "I've heard people suggest that, 36 years old, achieved so much, fight of the year, what more does he need to do? Maybe he should retire," he acknowledged. However, he quickly dismissed the idea, stating financial security isn't his motivation.
"I still feel fresh. I still feel capable. I still have that hunger and that fire and that desire to get up to train every day," Eubank Jr insisted. "Retirement is just not in my mindset right now. You guys are going to be seeing me for a while."
What to Expect on Fight Night
The stage is set for another explosive encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The undercard is expected to begin around 5pm UK time, with the main event ringwalks scheduled for approximately 9:50pm UK time. Fans can watch the action live on DAZN pay-per-view for £24.99 or through the DAZN Ultimate plan.
As fight night approaches, the boxing world watches with bated breath to see whether Eubank Jr can defy his critics and father time itself, or if Benn's youth and learning from their first encounter will prove decisive in this high-stakes rematch.
