Chris Eubank Jr. has always lived in the shadow of a legend.
From the very start of his boxing career, immense pressure and high expectations have followed him like a second skin.
Despite the public persona of confidence and swagger, behind the scenes, the 34-year-old has been on a deeply personal journey.
He’s been striving to carve out his own identity, move past a troubled youth, and cope with the mental and physical toll of boxing.
A Shifting Dynamic
The relationship between Eubank Jr. and his father has evolved over time, becoming increasingly complex.
For years, Eubank Sr., a former two-weight world champion, was a constant presence in his son’s career, from the gym to press conferences.
However, since 2019, Eubank Sr. has not been in his son’s corner.
His absence has been noticeable, particularly after he stirred controversy by agreeing with critics who labeled his son a “charlatan” following a knockout loss to Liam Smith.
In a recent interview with Mail Sport, Eubank Jr. reflected on this shift.
“My dad and I are in a weird and somewhat strange place right now,” he admitted.
“It’s tough to transition from having him always around to not having him involved in the boxing side of things.
I felt this was something I needed.”
Clashing Views
A major point of contention between father and son is Eubank Jr.’s planned fight with Conor Benn.
Eubank Sr. opposes the bout due to concerns about weight management and health risks, especially after the tragic death of his other son, Sebastian.
While Eubank Jr. understands his father’s concerns, he believes the tension will persist until he retires from the sport.
“I think this situation will probably continue for a while,” he says.
“It will probably take my retirement for us to just become father and son again.
Right now, he can’t separate the business from being just my dad.
I told him I don’t need advice or a coach. I just need a dad. But he’s still figuring that out.”
The Quest for Independence
Eubank Jr. has no ill will towards his father but is clearly frustrated by the situation.
He feels it’s crucial to make his own decisions and chart his own path.
“I want to write my own story,” he says.
“My career can’t just be a reflection of what my dad wanted me to do.
I need to make my own choices and shape my own future.”
The strain in their relationship is a painful byproduct of their shared passion for boxing.
For Eubank Sr., accustomed to being in control, the idea of stepping back and letting his son succeed or fail on his own terms is a difficult adjustment.
A Complex Legacy
Despite their differences, Eubank Jr. remains committed to honoring his father’s legacy and advancing the Eubank name.
He acknowledges the immense pressure of growing up with the Eubank name, but he’s used it as motivation.
“I had no choice but to perform and train hard. I couldn’t let my dad or myself down,” he says.
Facing Physical and Mental Challenges
As he approaches his 35th birthday, Eubank Jr. is also dealing with the physical toll of his career.
He’s aware of the effects of repeated blows to the head, including memory issues.
To mitigate the damage, he focuses on body sparring and brain exercises.
“I’m very aware of the toll it takes. I play brain games to keep my mind sharp,” he explains.
Looking Ahead
Despite his health concerns, Eubank Jr. is not stepping away from the sport.
He’s set to face Kamil Szeremeta on October 12 after a 13-month hiatus.
Promoter Ben Shalom has confirmed that a world title shot will follow this fight.
Eubank Jr. is eyeing major matchups, including a rematch with Billy Joe Saunders, a bout with Canelo Alvarez, and a fight with Conor Benn.
“That fight will happen,” he assures. “It’s too big not to. I’ll teach that kid a lesson.”
As he moves forward, Eubank Jr. is determined to manage his final years in the ring carefully, ensuring that his decisions are made on his own terms.
TDPel Media
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