CHRIS EUBANK JR could return to the ring with one of the most talented and colourful corners in boxing history.
After a chance meeting, the 30-year-old Brighton middleweight is currently on lockdown in Florida training under one of history’s greatest fighters in Roy Jones Jr.
Chris Eubank Jr met Roy Jones Jr at a fight show in FebruaryCredit: chriseubankjr.com
After love-him-or-loathe-him father Chris Sr put master and pupil in touch, the trio are set to take the sport by storm, once the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled.
And Jr knows the Marmite sandwich he is set to fill – between his two-weight king dad and the four-division American icon – will tickle plenty of taste buds.
The 29-2 star took a rare break to explain to SunSport: “I met Roy at a fight show in February where we started talking. I liked his vibe and the advice he gave me.
“Soon after I asked my father to contact Roy to see if it was possible to train with him, now I’m here.
“Roy is most definitely complex. From the way he trains and teaches you to replicate footwork, speed and precision power, there’s no one like it. This is what makes his style.
“If those are not the attributes that one desires to possess then it would be extremely hard to work with Roy nor would there be any point in working with him.
“Just as my father was not for everybody, nor am I for everybody and Roy is most definitely not for everybody, so this makes for a perfect union.”
Like Eubank Jr Jones is a second-generation boxer, whose father once faced Marvin Hagler.
But, while the Brit hardnut is yet to truly fulfil his potential, Jones Jr tore up and rewrote the rule book when it came to boxing achievements.
The 51-year-old legend was robbed of 1988 Olympic gold but made up for it in the pro ranks.
Not content with beating the brilliant Bernard Hopkins for the IBF middleweight title in 1993, he stepped up a class to dethrone the magnificent James Toney, then moved to light-heavy to stun the terrifying Mike McCallum.
Chris Eubank is working with one of history’s greatest ever fightersCredit: chriseubankjr.com
Chris Eubank Jr is on lockdown in Florida due to the coronavirus outbreakCredit: chriseubankjr.com
Finally, in 2003, he became the first man to box at super-welterweight and rise up to win a heavyweight world title, when he outpointed John Ruiz to break another record.
Sadly the bonafide genius was still fighting as recently as 2018 but his current crack at retirement has allowed one of his biggest fans to use these testing times, while global sport is on hold, extremely wisely.
“I’ve been training every day for the last two weeks with one of my all-time favorite fighters.” Part-time Las Vegas resident Eubank Jr said. “Learning from the best is all the motivation I need.
“I’m using this time to hone my skills and add new layers to my repertoire.
“It must be hard for the sporting industry, as a whole, as well as the fans who are stuck inside and could do with something to watch.
Chris Eubank Jr’s plea to fans
CHRIS EUBANK JR has asked his fans to stop fighting against government orders.
The Brighton middleweight star, now training in Florida under ring legend Roy Jones Jr, has been heartbroken by the coronavirus pandemic.
And he has joined dozens of elite UK sportspeople in pleading with supporters to stay at home to halt the ruthless spread of COVID-19.
Eubank Jr told SunSport: “I’ve been keeping track of what has been happening worldwide, especially in the UK where my friends, family and the majority of my fans are based.
“I really do hope things get back to normal soon. The virus has affected thousands of businesses which has had a knock-on effect on people’s livelihoods.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people and families that are really struggling at this time.
“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel but we must abide by the instructions and advice given by the prime minister and The WHO and stay at home in order to protect and support the NHS.
“The sooner we can abide by these rules the sooner we can go back to normal.”
“But we can all take this time to self-reflect and spend more time with loved ones.
“I’ve always wanted to train with Roy and this created the opportunity for it to happen sooner rather than later.
“I’m staying inside a lot not going anywhere unless it’s Roy’s gym or the shops to get essentials. Roy’s property is on a preservation with an old school style gym which is exactly what I need.
“Roy has been putting me through my paces and working me like a dog.
“Unfortunately, I’m unable to get the much-needed recovery massages for my muscles, for obvious reasons, so I’m battered. But this is the life of a fighter; no pain, no gain.”
With Chris Sr hopefully joining the training camp soon, the awkward topic of who would have won a fantasy fight between the two aces who lit up the 1990s in the 11st 6lbs and 12st divisions could crop up.
And SunSport prepped the WBA interim champ, who is still working closely with Vegas trainer Nate Vasquez, for the onslaught of questions he will face now his new training team is revealed.
He said:“It would have been a very entertaining and epic fight but the topic hasn’t come up yet.
“Since I’m stuck on a farm for a few weeks I’ll let you know if it does.”
Eubank Jr is an official ambassador for Chain of Hope, a charity that offers life-saving operations for children in need.To help support and sustain the work of Chain of Hope during this difficult time please visit www.chainofhope.org
Chris Eubank Jr is set to take the sport of boxing by stormCredit: chriseubankjr.com
Chris Eubank Jr has been working with the charity Chain of HopeCredit: chriseubankjr.com
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
