Few sportsman have flattered to deceive more than Chris Eubank Jr, but this weekend the man from Hove gets another chance to thrust his name towards the top of the boxing world.
A huge name, thanks to his father's exploits in the 90s, Eubank Jr has so far failed to live up the hype both the media and his family have placed on his shoulders with his social media exploits, perhaps more famous than his fight CV as it currently stands. He has talked like a World Champion since day one but so far, he is yet to get his hands on one of the recognised straps, but a win this weekend against the rock solid Arthur Abraham on ITV Box Office would help turn the doubters into believers.
Eubank Jr has lost just one of his 25 fights to-date, a split decision against Billy Joe Saunders, and a win this weekend will put him right on track for a World Title shot at super middleweight. The winner of the bout will enter the new World Boxing Super Series which could well lead to a title shot sooner rather, than later, so a big performance from Eubank Jr is a must, as he looks to back up his clear potential.
Abraham is clearly past his best but he is as experienced as they come, and he will offer Eubank Jr a stern test. The German is a three-time, two-weight World champion with two four-year spans at the top of the world and in terms of CV, this will be the toughest test of the Britain's career so far. Abraham came up short at the very highest level against the likes of Carl Froch and Andre Ward, but he has won 10 of his last 11 fights, and a win for him would revive his career so he too has plenty to prove this weekend.
The majority of boxing fans know Eubank Jr for his defeat at the hands of Saunders back in 2014, and it was one of the most confusing fights in recent years. Eubank Jr hardly threw a punch for the first half of the fight, before coming on strong in the final stages, but it wasn't enough to grab the win against one of his big domestic rivals. He virtually gave away that fight when most British boxing fans were watching, and there his reputation was tainted as a result of that performance.
There is no doubt that he possesses all the talent needed to be a world star, with his aggressive and powerful style reminiscent of his Dad in his heyday, but all too often his performances have failed to please. He has been criticised for talking too much, and he has rightly received plenty of flak for taking easy fights at the wrong time, and unless he can prove those doubters wrong and soon, he may well miss the boat.
Boxing in the UK is going through a golden era, and Eubank Jr must now take this latest opportunity to get his name into the headlines. A clinical win over Abraham and a good showing in the World Boxing Super Series could well see him emerge as one of the biggest stars in the sport, rather than just being one of the biggest names in the sport.
There is every chance that Eubank Jr could meet George Groves in the 2nd round of the Super Series if both can produce their best, and that has all the makings of a super fight in the UK. Groves has grown into one of the best super middleweights in the world, and enters the tournament as the #1 seed, and surely Eubank Jr will see a fight with the Saint as a potentially massive moment in his stuttering career.
Will Saturday be another false dawn for Chris Eubank Jr or can he finally back up his talent with an explosive win in the ring, and take his career to the next level?
Over to you Chris.
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