Chris Eubank Jr has revealed the key reason he thinks he will be able to pick up back-to-back wins against Conor Benn, as he warned the fight will be just as frosty as the first.
Eubank Jr and Benn faced off to add their own page to the family’s storied rivalry in April in one of the most enthralling fights in recent memory. Both men were set on “finishing” the other, and the buildup to the fight was electric.
Eubank Jr ultimately won the fight as his size and experience helped him best his bitter rival, but with the rematch coming up next month, the 36-year-old is confident the same result will occur for one key reason.
He revealed: “People don't change overnight…[Benn's] an emotional guy. He has hate in his heart that's not all of a sudden just going to disappear, so I imagine we will get that same energy.”
Chirs Eubank Jr belives Conor Benn's emotions will be a role in their rematch
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Back in April, Benn admitted his emotions played a part in the fight as he said: “I didn't come in the fight to lose. Obviously I weren't good enough and I need to do better.
“It hurts me. No one likes to lose. Close fight, not close fight, you've got to be harsh on yourself and I look at myself and say this ain't good enough for me.
“I just need to do better.”
Eubank Jr was opening up in an interview with Men's Health UK, where he went on to speak about his mentality that allows him to put in the work to win fights in the ring.
He continued: “Do I like it? It's my life. After you do something a certain number of times, it becomes second nature, even if it's painful and dangerous…I've built up a tolerance so I can thrive in those pressure-cooker moments.
“Boxing is not a sport you can do if you're not fully invested. As soon as you fall out of love with the training and the fighting and the preparation; with the food, the weight cut, everything; as soon as you start second-guessing, 'Why am I doing this?' you're never going to make it.”
After the fight with Benn, Eubank Jr continues to be linked to fight Canelo Alvarez, but if he takes the fight, he has revealed it will not be for the money, as that no longer matters for him, it is only about cementing his legacy.
Chirs Eubank Jr won the first bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by decision
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He went on to say: “I could walk off into the sunset today and I'm set for life, so it's not about bank any more. Now it's about leaving behind a legacy I can be proud of. It's about, 'How are you going to be remembered, and what are you going to be remembered for?'
“A fight like that is something that will leave a legacy that I could be proud of. I'm already very proud of the things I've done, but that would enhance it. Sharing a ring with the best in the world, that's an important thing to do, to test yourself. I've been testing myself my whole life and that might well be the next test after Conor Benn.”
The 36-year-old reflected on the reaction from fans after the first fight, where he said: “There are still people who hate me, think I'm an a******e or a flash c*** or whatever you want to call me. But there are a lot of people who understand I'm a genuine human being. I'm a good man. It's good to see that shift.
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“I think the last fight was the first time I haven't been booed into an arena in many years, maybe my whole career, so it's interesting to experience a different dynamic. It's very rare that people's minds change about someone, but that's how it's been with me.'
Eubank also admitted he will struggle to walk away from the bright lights of the boxing ring when his time is up, and reflected on what he will miss the most.
He revealed: “I guess I'll miss the amazing shape you whip your body into. The week of the fight, you look in the mirror, and it's incredible to see the peak physical condition you're in. Once you retire, you'll never get to those levels again.
Chris Eubank Jr has revealed he will miss being able to get to his peak fitness when he retires from boxing
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“You'll never feel that superhuman again. I'll miss stepping into the ring and performing in front of millions of people, in front of the screaming crowd, that feeling of Michael Buffer calling your name out and getting your hand raised.”
Eubank Jr will face Benn in one of the most highly anticipated rematches in boxing history on November 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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