It’s a big UK fight this weekend as James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. meet live on Showtime. Get the details here.
Saturday afternoon, boxing’s focus turns to the UK when James DeGale (25-2-1; 15 KO) and Chris Eubank. Jr. (45-5-2; 23 KO) meet for the vacant IBO Super Middleweight (168 lbs.) title. DeGale vs. Eubank takes place this Saturday, February 23 and airs live on Showtime in the US with a fight time of 3:45 p.m. ET. For international fans, it will also air live on ITV Box Office.
James DeGale
- 2-1-1– That’s DeGale’s record over the past three years. Prior to that mild slide, he had won a very impressive 12 in a row and established himself as, if not the #1 in the division, certainly very close to it. But in 2017 he drew with Badou Jack, then lost to Caleb Truax. He has since avenged the Truax loss, then taken a pretty easy stay-busy fight.
- 10 year pro – DeGale came to the pro game a little late, and is only a 10 year pro at 33 years old. But in his past few fights he seemed much older. We’re pretty clearly on the downward trajectory in his career, and the big question for him tonight is, just how far down are we?
- Technician – A 2008 Olympic gold medalist, DeGale clearly has the edge in technique here. His best route to victory will be a decision, outpointing and outworking the more aggressive Eubank.
- Crossroads fight – This is potentially the defining fight of DeGale’s current career phase. If he loses here, he’s probably done as a top fighter, and he’s even said that he will retire should he lose. It’s fair to be skeptical of that, but it shows just how important this is to DeGale.
Chris Eubank Jr.
- 1-1 – Like DeGale, Eubank’s recent run is not spotless. He suffered his 2nd pro loss one year ago, losing to George Groves in the WBSS tournament. The shadow of Groves hangs heavy over this fight, as he holds wins over both men. Eubank has one win since that is not at all worth mentioning.
- New camp – This is Eubank’s first fight with a new camp and under trainer Nate Vasquez. He has said that change is going to lead to a more strategic, less go for broke style. We’ll see if that shift benefits him, and if there are any growing pains under the new coach.
- -145 – He’s the slight favorite here, -145 to +115 for DeGale. That’s about as close as it gets.
- Dad’s shadow – It’s impossible not to think of Chris Eubank Sr. when watching a Jr. fight. His father was one of the true legends of British boxing, and it gives Jr. a lot to live up to. It also means there will always be questions if he is where he is because of his talent, or because of his name. That answer is yet to be fully determined, but…
- Crossroads fight – Just like DeGale, this is an absolute must win for Eubank. He can’t lose his second in a year – if he does, it will seem to seal the deal that he has been overhyped based on his family connection. Unfair? Maybe. But it’s where Eubank is.
What else is on the card?
- Joe Joyce (7-0; 7 KO) vs. Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1; 21 KO) – There’s more on the full card, including Lee Selby, but this is the only other fight on Showtime. And it’s a good one. The much hyped Joyce looked great in his one round KO win on the Wilder vs. Fury PPV, and former champion Stiverne is a perfect test for him. Great fight here.
Final Verdict
This fight is a little under the radar for non-UK fans, but it’s a terrific, pick ‘em fight with an absolute ton on the line for both men. At his best, this fight would be all DeGale, so this comes down to how much you think he’s fallen. I think he has… but not quite enough for Eubank.
Prediction: James DeGale, UD