On The Watch “It’s All About James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr.”

IBO Super Middleweight Championship

Tonight’s domestic British dust up at the O2 Arena between James DeGale (25-3-1, 15 Kos) and Chris Eubank Jr. (28-2, 21 Kos) wasn’t pretty but definitely a good showing by Eubank who dropped DeGale two times to win the bout by unanimous decision with the score of 114-112, 115-112 and 117-109.

Eubank showed a lot of patience under new Head Coach Nate Vasquez. As the rounds wore on you could see Eubank working his way through the “Game Plan” as required. DeGale tried hard by making it real ugly with his excessive holding but Eubank stuck with it and out-work and out-punched DeGale round by round.

At times Eubank threw some heavy wild punches but when composed, he connected efficiently and made them count. Eubank pretty much controlled the bout from start to finish and was never in any danger.

As for DeGale, he looked like a shell of himself, he fought tentatively and seemed to be in retreat mode throughout the entire fight. It was sad to see such a decorated British boxer succumb to this at this point in his career. No disrespect, but this loss will require DeGale to do some serious soul searching and re-evaluate his future in Boxing. James talked a good game to the build-up of it but failed miserably under the bright lights tonight.

That being said, this bout was by far Eubank’s most improved showing to date. It’s clear he’s still a work in progress under Coach Nate Vasquez but tonight’s convincing victory over DeGale is a good sign of better things to come.

Congratulations Chris on becoming once again IBO Super Middleweight Champion. Now on to the next!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr.”

Super Middleweight Challenge

Rumors have been swirling around for quite some time and now it has officially been confirmed. The domestic British dust up between James DeGale (25-2-1, 15 Kos) and Chris Eubank Jr. (27-2, 21 Kos) is set to take place on February 23, 2019 at London’s O2 Arena.

The trash talking between the two combatants has been going on for years and it’s only fitting to end all talks inside that squared circle. There’s a lot on the table here. A loss for either combatant will have a serious gut check when it’s all said and done.

This bout is more about “Pride Fighting” then “Prize Fighting”. A lot has been said about where both warriors are at in their respective careers to date. Some in the boxing community see DeGale as a shot fighter on the decline while others in the boxing community see Eubank Jr. as an underachiever who chokes when tested by legitimate competitors.

I personally, see this bout as an opportunity for either combatant to show the naysayers that they still got what it takes to get bigger and better fights in the Super Middleweight Division. It’s “Show and Prove” time. Enough with the talking it’s time to step up and back it up.

Eubank Jr. is the younger of the two with less mileage. He’s at a peak point of his career and has serious skills inside that squared circle when focused. with a full-time trainer now by his side, it’s time for Eubank Jr. to perform and steal the show.

DeGale keeps talking about this bout being a “retirement fight” for the loser but truth be told he needs to step up his own game up to avoid that specific outcome on February 23, 2019. He could be the odd man out if he doesn’t come correct and focused come fight night.

There is absolutely no shortage of confidence when it comes to these two opponents, but truth be told the pressure is on 100 for them two to deliver and look convincing doing it.

The winner at the O2 Arena on Saturday night February 23, 2019 will get a positive boost within the Super Middleweight Division and possibly a Championship bout looming on the horizon?

Blaze