Turning the Tables: Chris Eubank Jr. Shatters Doubts With His Most Pivotal Win Yet

“‘Everyone said I was past my prime,’ claims Eubank Jr.”

There was a time when I, like many in the sports world, had put Chris Eubank Jr. on the back burner. I questioned whether he still had the fire in him, if he could still hold his own in the ring.

Frankly, his initial match against Liam Smith left much to be desired.

However, come Saturday night’s rematch, Eubank Jr. silenced all naysayers, including me.

Arguably, it was the most defining moment in Eubank’s career. Given the skepticism following his first loss to Smith, his triumph over a respected opponent was not just a win but a statement.

It’s not that Smith is some sort of pushover; the guy has game. But Eubank Jr. has also faced off against more high-profile boxers, which is why many had backed him in their first bout.

Fast forward to this rematch, with questions hanging over his head like dark clouds, and it’s evident that this win meant more than any other in his career.

The resilience Eubank Jr. displayed was awe-inspiring. True, confidence and self-belief are traits you’d expect from any fighter, but to bounce back from a public perception that suggested he was washed up? That takes guts, and this kid’s got ’em.

I remember sparring with him back in the good ol’ days. Even then, the guy was a force to be reckoned with.

I’d imagined that the first showdown between him and Smith would go down a lot like it did this past Saturday. When he got thrashed in their first bout, it was confusing; something had to be off. Age can be a fickle thing in boxing. One day you’re on top, the next you’re not.

Turns out, losing might’ve been a blessing in disguise. Eubank Jr. re-emerged better than ever—focused, in peak condition, and evidently without any psychological baggage.

Even his entrance into the ring was free of theatrics. There was a simple but clear message: “I’ve come prepared. Let’s do this.” And boy, did it show.

His strategy was impeccable. He kept Smith at bay with a powerful jab, dominating the early exchanges. He also displayed a level of discipline that perhaps only his new partnership with coach Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre could instill.

Sitting ringside, I heard the corner coaches shouting, “Back to the jab!” and for once, Eubank Jr. heeded the call. A wise choice, considering the jab kept Smith at bay all night.

Come the fourth round, an uppercut from Eubank Jr. sent Smith crashing to the mat. From that point, Smith looked like he was playing catch-up, never really posing any significant threat.

And when the final bell tolled, the stoppage was well deserved. By the end, Smith was nothing more than a moving target.

So, what’s next for Eubank Jr.? There’s chatter about another rematch, which would even the score. But considering Eubank Jr.’s decisive win, he’s likely setting his sights on loftier goals and bigger paydays.

Eubank Jr. was quite vocal about his ambitions to snag a world title, something that’s eluded him so far. Could he actually do it? Given the right set of circumstances, I don’t see why not.

He’s already eyeing a matchup against Gennady Golovkin, who’s currently beltless but has a storied history. That’s a tantalizing prospect, but it would require some deep diving into Golovkin’s recent performances to pick a winner.

Regardless of one’s opinion about Eubank Jr., there’s no denying that this victory was monumental for his public image, especially in the UK. If you ask me, it’s high time the industry recognizes his accomplishments and gives credit where it’s due. After all, he did step into a Smith-favoring arena amid boos, only to have them turn into cheers by the end of the night.

So hats off to Chris Eubank Jr. May his star continue to rise in the boxing world.

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More about Triumphant

• Chris Eubank Jr. Proves Doubters Wrong with Rematch Victory
• Liam Smith’s Unexpected Defeat: A Lesson in Boxing Resilience
• Eubank Jr.’s Jab Strategy: Key to His Triumph
• The Road to Boxing Glory: Eubank Jr.’s Journey
• Gennady Golovkin: A Potential Opponent for Eubank Jr.