Former two-time IBF super- middleweight champion James Degale takes on Chris Eubank Jr. for the vacant IBO super-middleweight title on the 23rd of February.
Degale who will be 33 years old by the time of the fight, clearly has retirement from the sport on his mind having said that the perfect way to end his career would be to beat Eubank before having one last showdown with his old nemesis George Groves.
Many in the fight game believe that we have already seen the best of Degale who by his own admission had a terrible year from 2017 in which he lost his title to the little-known American Caleb Truax.
Although he regained his title in the rematch in April 2018, lacklustre performances by Degale were not helped with an injured shoulder which required surgery and a long-term achilles tendon injury.
Former IBO super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr. will be looking to make a statement of intent after his unanimous points loss to George Groves in February 2018 in the World Super Series semi-final.
Many within the Boxing community believe that Eubank Jr’s progression as a fighter has been hampered severely by the interference of Eubank Sr. who up until now has played a prominent role with his son’s career both in and out of the ring.
A major flaw that the Eubank camp have been criticized with is that Eubank Jr. has not had a full-time Trainer. Whether new recruit Nate Vasquez will be able to help Eubank Jr. reach his full potential remains to be seen.
Despite the flaws exposed in Eubank’s technique in his two defeats to Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves, the younger and fresher Eubank Jr. with his relentless work-rate, could take advantage of Degale who can already see the horizon of his career.
How much left Degale has left in the tank after major injuries and grueling bouts against the likes of Badou Jack, and what Eubank Jr. has learnt since his defeat to George Groves could determine the winner of this fight.
