how good was chris eubank?

[fg2227]

Wanting to find more about chris, what where his highs and lows?

[robpalmer135]

Jones Jnr, Hopkins and Toney avoided him and Benn so we don't really know. Probably top 10 p4p between 90-95 so on a level with say.................................Cotto?

[fg2227]

I always wondered why those guys never fought, could you tell me about his fights late in his career. thinking about the thompson fights?

[StWerburghs]

He stopped Benn in a proper war. Low point would be Michael Watson fight of course.

He is a genuinely nice bloke...but many people hated him during his time because of his arrogant ring manner.

could be quite boring in the ring sometimes. Could be too technical at times.
His chin was solid, and he could shake of some massive shots after a few seconds.

[Robbi]

Jones Jnr, Hopkins and Toney avoided him and Benn so we don't really know. Probably top 10 p4p between 90-95 so on a level with say.................................Cotto?

Jones jnr, Hopkins, and Toney all avoided Eubank. Where is your evidence, or is it just something you like to think?.

[Diablo]

Eubank was a very good champion. But he was happy defending his belt in the uk and not interested in unification to seek the biggest challenges. He also got some gift decisons (first watson fight and benn rematch draw).

[jc]

Good fighter has some realt talent. Liked the lifestyle and the money which came with defending his belt, fought some obvious duds but does have some good one in between Benn and Watson.

Seemed to raise his game the higher level oposition.

Had some proper stinkers, but is probably remembered for his thriller with Nigell Benn and Michael Watson.

Benn was robbed in the second fight though as was Watson in the first.

[PowerPuncher]

Jones Jnr, Hopkins and Toney avoided him and Benn so we don't really know. Probably top 10 p4p between 90-95 so on a level with say.................................Cotto?

No they didnt Toney called them both out and was contracted to fight the winner of Benn-Eubank but it was a draw so the fight didnt materialise. Toney blatantly wanted both of them

RJJ wanted Eubank on the way up but couldnt get the fight

To the question in hand:

Eubank was great in many ways but his workrate let him down sometimes. He also got a gift against Ray Close

[john b]

Eubank was a very good champion. But he was happy defending his belt in the uk and not interested in unification to seek the biggest challenges. He also got some gift decisons (first watson fight and benn rematch draw).

True he was brilliant but lost his edge after the second fight against watson for obvious reason. That maybe true, but I did not see Jones or toney coming across to fight Eubank or indeed Benn. But Benn regularly fought in the US when he was at middleweight.

[jc]

Eubank didnt want any part of Toney imo. I dont think Benn would have minded, he win title fights in the US before and would have travelled if the money was right. If he got the nod over Euabk in the rematch it would have probably happened.

[john b]

Eubank didnt want any part of Toney imo. I dont think Benn would have minded, he win title fights in the US before and would have travelled if the money was right. If he got the nod over Euabk in the rematch it would have probably happened.

The british public deserved a trillogy between benn V Eubank because that trilliogy would have been better than the gatti v ward trilliogy

[jc]

Better when considering what is at stake, it was a world title fight after all but I think Gatt-Ward 1 was better than Benn-Eubank 1.

[john b]

Better when considering what is at stake, it was a world title fight after all but I think Gatt-Ward 1 was better than Benn-Eubank 1.

I know what you mean but eubank was the underdog and people believed the sheer ferociousness of Benn's Punches would be enough to KO Eubank and. But Eubank got him good that why I thought it was better.

[brown bomber]

Jones Jnr, Hopkins and Toney avoided him and Benn so we don't really know. Probably top 10 p4p between 90-95 so on a level with say.................................Cotto? Rob, rob, rob.... so,so wrong.... Eubank was one of my favourite fighters he had an unusual style, a great chin, a big heart and a solid dig but he was as far away from the p4p top ten as Alex Arthur is now. Eubanks world title defences were largely against B-grade fighters and though he was capable he would have stood no chance against Jones or Toney. Back then Hopkins was beatable so he may have been capable at his very best of an upset there but against todays hopkins- no chance.

[Smith]

Definition of a granite chin.

I don't agree with some of you though, I think he woul have gave Toney a hell of afight, maybe even winning.

RJJ would have beaten him handily like he did Bernard though.

[Vantage_West]

Jones jnr, Hopkins, and Toney all avoided Eubank. Where is your evidence, or is it just something you like to think?.no becuase these men were to brave and accomplished they didnt need to fight him...eubank could beat them though.

[PowerPuncher]

Rob, rob, rob.... so,so wrong.... Eubank was one of my favourite fighters he had an unusual style, a great chin, a big heart and a solid dig but he was as far away from the p4p top ten as Alex Arthur is now. Eubanks world title defences were largely against B-grade fighters and though he was capable he would have stood no chance against Jones or Toney. Back then Hopkins was beatable so he may have been capable at his very best of an upset there but against todays hopkins- no chance.

Jeff Jeff Jeff...Wrong Wrong Wrong

G-Man was ranked P4P no6 or higher when Benn beat him. Benn also clocked Barkley in 1 round who was coming off a very close contest with P4P no1 (or2) Nunn and would go on to go 10 with P4P no1 Toney and beat Hearns twice. So Benn was a top10 P4P fighter at his best and Eubank beat him and racked up many defenses. Eubank also beat Watson twice and Rochiagani

Now the US magazines may not have rated Eubank/Benn top10 P4P but they clearly were around there peak. Although I'd pick Toney/RJJ over both

Cotto however has not beat a top10 P4P fighter ever

[Vantage_West]

No they didnt Toney called them both out and was contracted to fight the winner of Benn-Eubank but it was a draw so the fight didnt materialise. Toney blatantly wanted both of them

RJJ wanted Eubank on the way up but couldnt get the fight

To the question in hand:

Eubank was great in many ways but his workrate let him down sometimes. He also got a gift against Ray Closei swaer it was nunn who was looking to unfiy with the winner

[PowerPuncher]

i swaer it was nunn who was looking to unfiy with the winner

Didnt you see the Benn-Eubank 'audience with', they had Toney on being his typical classless self.

[Smith]

Jeff Jeff Jeff...Wrong Wrong Wrong

G-Man was ranked P4P no6 or higher when Benn beat him. Benn also clocked Barkley in 1 round who was coming off a very close contest with P4P no1 (or2) Nunn and would go on to go 10 with P4P no1 Toney and beat Hearns twice. So Benn was a top10 P4P fighter at his best and Eubank beat him and racked up many defenses. Eubank also beat Watson twice and Rochiagani

Now the US magazines may not have rated Eubank/Benn top10 P4P but they clearly were around there peak. Although I'd pick Toney/RJJ over both

Cotto however has not beat a top10 P4P fighter everSpot on

[john b]

Eubank and benn in the 1990's were in renaissance period for britsh/ irish boxing because u had watson, collins and even piper who gave benn hell.

[brown bomber]

Jeff Jeff Jeff...Wrong Wrong Wrong

G-Man was ranked P4P no6 or higher when Benn beat him. Benn also clocked Barkley in 1 round who was coming off a very close contest with P4P no1 (or2) Nunn and would go on to go 10 with P4P no1 Toney and beat Hearns twice. So Benn was a top10 P4P fighter at his best and Eubank beat him and racked up many defenses. Eubank also beat Watson twice and Rochiagani

Now the US magazines may not have rated Eubank/Benn top10 P4P but they clearly were around there peak. Although I'd pick Toney/RJJ over both

Cotto however has not beat a top10 P4P fighter ever Cotto has beaten Mosley and Judah as well as a host of other decent fighters and the method in which he has beaten them has been through classy disection rather then dodgy split decisions which made up a large part of Eubanks career.

I'm not putting them down they were wonderful fighters but to suggest that they would have beaten Jones and co is simply ridiculous.

[john b]

Well I thought Eubank had a draw against watson in the first fight and that is why they had a second fight. Eubank had a decision against him the first steve collins fight how he lost that have to knocking collins on his arse three times.

[Raashid]

Didnt you see the Benn-Eubank 'audience with', they had Toney on being his typical classless self.

You're right, but Toney was just brought onto the show, there wasn't any actual contractual discussions with him as he was then under Arum's wing.
You may remember Michael Nunn was at ringside and ITV's Gary Newbon even asked for his analysis of how the fight was going. Benn-Eubank II was co-promoted by ****** and King, who had Nunn under contract.

[LiamE]

Eubank and benn in the 1990's were in renaissance period for britsh/ irish boxing because u had watson, collins and even piper who gave benn hell.

Not to forget Herol Graham and Chris Pyatt, they were pretty handy too.

As for Eubank, at any other time or weight he would have been head and shoulders better than anything in Europe. He gets a bit underrated as he is always and will always be talked about in the same breath as Benn and Watson. Fact is all 3 were the real deal and helped start the Euro dominance of the so called weak SMW division. It is so so rare for 1 small country to produce 3 world class fighters at the same weight at the same time but it happened. The only thing I can compare that to is Coe, Ovett and Cram at middle distance running.

Yeah he had 3 or 4 iffy verdicts, but much of his art was trying to do just enough to knick a round and no more. He was immensly strong, good but not great punch, great chin, great defense, very awkward and a true warriors heart. Any stamina deficiencies he may have had were offset by his ability to take a rest and come back - he only ever ran out of gas in true wars where anyone would have. He was never beaten as a middle weight.

After the tragic end to the Watson rematch (one of his iffy verdicts was his win in the first) he lost the will to batter a hurt opponent and lost fights in his later career because of it. He had Collins and Tompson in deep deep trouble and just stood back... in both cases losing a decision where he could have won by stoppage.

Of today's SMW crop, JC would just outwork him to a clear UD but other than that there isnt anyone who he couldnt beat, Kessler included - though that could be a close one.

[Haye]

Very good fighter, but he never really tried to go after the likes of Toney, Jones and Hopkins. He openly admitted he was in it for the money, and thus would not go to America for the big fights when he was making a load in Britain against the best Brits/bums.

He did fight some really good fighters however, Watson, Benn and Collins were all very good. Just no high profile Americans.

[LiamE]

Very good fighter, but he never really tried to go after the likes of Toney, Jones and Hopkins. He openly admitted he was in it for the money, and thus would not go to America for the big fights when he was making a load in Britain against the best Brits/bums.

He did fight some really good fighters however, Watson, Benn and Collins were all very good. Just no high profile Americans.

Very true.

I've read that only Tyson earnt more than him in a 5 year period around Eubank's peak.

[PowerPuncher]

Cotto has beaten Mosley and Judah as well as a host of other decent fighters and the method in which he has beaten them has been through classy disection rather then dodgy split decisions which made up a large part of Eubanks career.

I'm not putting them down they were wonderful fighters but to suggest that they would have beaten Jones and co is simply ridiculous.

Cotto has yet to face his McCellan and a 36yo Mosley and a Judah who hadn't won for 2years don't count.

As for Eubank I think he was a bit more trigger shy after ruining Watsons life. He did have those SDs and close calls BUT these were probably past prime or not Eubank on form. Many also feel Eubank beat Collins for what its worth.

Your right about Jones Jr but I doubt anyone in history 175 or below could beat RJJ. As for Toney he'd be favourate against both the Brit boys BUT Toney put in his share of poor performances and has a gift or 2 on his record

[elle]

Wanting to find more about chris, what where his highs and lows?

For me his highs would be his dramatic fights with Nigel Benn and his lows the Michael Watson tragedy during their rematch - apparently Eubank considered quitting boxing after that.

Can recommend his autobiography - was a fascinating read and gives you an insight into the man outside of boxing too.

[TBooze]

True he was brilliant but lost his edge after the second fight against watson for obvious reason.

LOL; yes ask John Jarvis;)

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[TBooze]

Yeah Eubank had a lovely sneak right hand.

Lol there was nothing sneaky about it, and when he missed with it, you could see it in space!

But in his defence, he could time it well when bothered, and he must of had phenomenal strength, because it was not fired out very fast.

[john b]

He was so relaxed when he was fighting it was untrue even when he was getting bombarded with shots against benn he seemed not bothered. Then came out round nine and leathered him which was something considering he was on his arse eary on in the contest.

[TBooze]

His sneak right hand was sneaky. His loopy, cricket ball throwing one was not... and would almost have the right lights out.

And his sneak right was fired out very fast!

Eubank did not have the hand speed, he was a strength fighter, his right hand could be decieving but not sneaky IMO.

[mofo2]

Chris Eubank was one of the best British boxers we've had in the last 30 years in my opinion...great strength,skill,heart and good hands and ring abilities..but he was one strange fucker.

[john b]

Chris Eubank was one of the best British boxers we've had in the last 30 years in my opinion...great strength,skill,heart and good hands and ring abilities..but he was one strange fucker.

Summed him up perfectly their. He was definately and eccentric genius.

[mofo2]

Summed him up perfectly their. He was definately and eccentric genius.The trouble is there are'nt any real characters left in British boxing.....they certainly broke the mould.

[Napuis]

Jones Jnr, Hopkins and Toney avoided him and Benn so we don't really know. Probably top 10 p4p between 90-95 so on a level with say.................................Cotto?

Eubanks KO1

[john b]

Eubank V Jones JNR that would have been a classic.

[hitman_hatton1]

i swaer it was nunn who was looking to unfiy with the winner

yeah nunn was lined up to fight the winner.

he would have probably boxed benn sometime in 94.

but he screwed up and lost in early 94.

king would have had eubank under contract had he won or lost i believe.

but cos he drew it was an invalid contract. :yep

the jones and toney fights never happened on eubank's half cos he was more interested in staying over here and keeping his title belt for big money. benn's problem was being promoted by don king and jones/toney were both with arum at the time.

[Bomber]

The Lost generation Of British middleweights never got their chance in the states mainly for one reason.

Politics.

Collins, Calzaghe(I include him), Benn and Eubank werent dodged purely cos of their talent, it has more to do with the fact that had they won they would have altered the dynamics of the division, and altered the centre of the ecconomics.

Adam Smith stuff really.

[brown bomber]

Cotto has yet to face his McCellan and a 36yo Mosley and a Judah who hadn't won for 2years don't count.

As for Eubank I think he was a bit more trigger shy after ruining Watsons life. He did have those SDs and close calls BUT these were probably past prime or not Eubank on form. Many also feel Eubank beat Collins for what its worth.

Your right about Jones Jr but I doubt anyone in history 175 or below could beat RJJ. As for Toney he'd be favourate against both the Brit boys BUT Toney put in his share of poor performances and has a gift or 2 on his record True on a lot of those points... Must say McLellon was overrated if they had him so high in the ratings. As impressive as his knockout record was it was largely gained against pretty average guys. I thought Eubank won the first fight Vs Collins.

[SeasideSlugger]

If Benn had had Eubank's chin he's still be World Champ Now!!

Utter granite.

It was such a good time back then, those fights on ITV and though Eubank sort of rubbed you up the wrong way he was fantastic for boxing.

Benn's Big Ben chimes and Eubank's Simply the Best (corny but it worked), and Watson's quiet efficiency mixed in. It's a pity Collins and Calzaghe just and so missed the boat, or there would have been round robin after round robin for belts and Bragging rights and numerous winners, they were that evenly matched.

Always seemed a bit aloof old chris, certainly more than the others but drag him into the trenches and he showed he had the heart and guts of the rest without question.

Top fighter.

[hitman_hatton1]

The Lost generation Of British middleweights never got their chance in the states mainly for one reason.

Politics.

Collins, Calzaghe(I include him), Benn and Eubank werent dodged purely cos of their talent, it has more to do with the fact that had they won they would have altered the dynamics of the division, and altered the centre of the ecconomics.

Adam Smith stuff really.

the current scene is a lot less political.

the mid 90's was different.

arum and king dominated.

both guys hated each other.

plus they used different networks back then.

king with showtime and arum with HBO.

[LiamE]

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Says it all really.

[brown bomber]

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Says it all really. absolutely incredible fight... easily in my top ten.

[brown bomber]

wow has there ever been a better round than that in the UK? I struggle to think of any as good as that round 11.

[LiamE]

wow has there ever been a better round than that in the UK? I struggle to think of any as good as that round 11.

Maybe G-Man / Benn round 1.... but I don't think even that tops it.

[LiamE]

wow has there ever been a better round than that in the UK? I struggle to think of any as good as that round 11.

How about Calzaghe / Mitchell round 2. Now that was a corker. Gotta love it wheen a guy who can pick himself up off the floor and go toe to toe like it never happened.

Still, not as good as Watson / Eubank II round 11 in my book, but close.

[Vantage_West]

Didnt you see the Benn-Eubank 'audience with', they had Toney on being his typical classless self.i have the fight on tape via itv and the interviews before and during the fight was michael nunn with don king at ringside
the qustions were
who do you think will win?
mn: it will be a great fight i like both men in this i am hoping to unify with the winner.
and the winner?
it will be a great fight :lol:
add some don king bullshit and some don king flag waving then you'll get the picture that a unification with either men was really what nunn and king wanted.

then after the fight when it was a draw...the usual "what a fight and walked off".


nunn who was a respected super-middleweight wasnt goign to fight either of them unless he had something that could really buy him in...I.E if it wasnt a draw. and both the wbc and wbo got unified.

anyways toney was ofcourse in on unifing as well but it never happend

[Bomber]

The only bloke ive ever heard Eubank say he didnt fancy was Jones, So im not exactly sure he'd have avoided Nunn.