Chris Eubank Jr on Liam Smith, adrenalin, and how to be ‘box office’
“I wouldn’t say I’m a masochist, no.” It’s a reassuring start from Chris Eubank Jr, as he reflects on his defeat by Liam Smith – the first stoppage loss of his career, and an experience he says he enjoyed. “Imagine being in a sport your entire life, thinking you’ve experienced every single thing there is, then something new happens at 33 years old,” the Briton explains to The Independent, as his rematch with Smith looms. “I’ve been fighting since I was 14, and I’ve never been buzzed like that, or had to get up, recuperate, march forward, then go back down again, get back up. I never would’ve imagined that I’d be in a position where a referee could stop a fight for me. “So, it was new, it was crazy. Looking back on it, it was exciting. It was a huge adrenalin rush, probably the same amount of adrenalin as I would get from knocking a guy out.” Twice Eubank Jr hauled himself off the canvas in the fourth round at Manchester’s AO Arena, his body moving almost gelatinously as his brain tried to recentre him, before Victor Loughlin waved off the bout. Eubank Jr will hope he does not have to feel that same canvas against his knees and elbows on Saturday when he returns to the AO Arena for a middleweight rematch with Smith. “It has to change how I think, feel, and how I approach fights,” he says. “You have to learn. I have a new mindset on going into fights and protecting myself at all times, making sure I don’t get hit flush. We have to do everything in our power to make sure we’re never in that position again.” That said, “I feel like I dealt with it well,” Eubank Jr adds. “A lot of fighters... when they get hurt, you see the real side of them. A lot back down, a lot look for ways out. Everyone saw that night, I was ready to go out on my shield. I was ready to die in there. ‘Let’s keep going,’ that’s what I said when the going got tough. I think the fans appreciated seeing that side of me.” Never before had Eubank Jr touched the canvas, let alone been stopped, and once the “excitement” subsided, he was left to deal with a different emotion. “I wasn’t upset, disappointed; I was pissed off,” he recalls. “It wasn’t like I got my ass kicked for three rounds and then got knocked out; I was dominating the fight, then I made a mistake and got caught. I was pissed off at myself, pissed off at the referee for not giving me the chance to continue. Whether he was right or wrong, as a grizzled veteran I don’t feel the need to be saved by a referee. “[But] when I watched the replay back in the changing room, I said to everybody: ‘I’ll take that.’ As in, if I was ever gonna get stopped, that’s the way I’d want it: on my feet, demanding they let me continue. I can accept that, I can sleep at night. I couldn’t sleep at night if I’m getting the 10 count and I can’t get up, or if I’m telling the referee, ‘No, [I can’t continue]’.” As well as mentioning referee Loughlin, Eubank Jr has cited an alleged elbow by Smith as proving decisive in the fight’s final sequence. Still, he maintains that these are not excuses, while Smith, 35, has revelled in his victory. “I enjoyed every bit of it,” Smith told The Independent in July. “It was a great week, I wish I could have that week back, it was a great week.” The Liverpudlian also said the prickly build-up to their first fight existed because the boxers just “wouldn’t get on” in normal life. But Eubank Jr, for his part, says: “Just because I fought him, doesn’t mean I know who he is as a man. He might be a great guy. I don’t know and I don’t need to know, that’s not part of my job; my job is to know who he is as a fighter and exploit that or deal with that. I think he is exploitable, he does get riled up, I can get into his head. I’m not here to be buddies or pals with people, I’m here to take guys out. I’m here to create a legacy, and he’s put a serious bump in that road for me; I need to smoothen it out.” That legacy has always been a complicated one, given the memories that Eubank Jr’s father gave to British boxing fans. Still, its ending is unwritten, and it is still in Eubank Jr’s control – for now. “There’s so many huge fights left for me to have,” he says. “There’s so much left for me to achieve. We have to see if I can do the things I say I can do. First and foremost, I have to beat Liam Smith; it’s not a great legacy if I finish my career with two losses to Liam on my record. That would for sure damage any type of ‘great’ legacy. Knowing that, it’s hugely important that I avenge this loss. I can explain a freak accident – it happens; I can get away with one loss to Liam, I can’t get away with two.” However Eubank Jr’s in-ring endeavours are ultimately judged, one thing seems certain: his personality and words outside the ring will see him remembered as one of the most divisive boxers of his generation. “It’s part of selling a fight, it’s part of beating your opponent,” Eubank Jr says. “You’ve got to win every fight – verbal, mental, physical. I’ve become very good at that over the years. I understand it’s part of the sport if you want to be ‘box office’. The guys that don’t talk, don’t have an opinion or aren’t able to express themselves to the fans and to their opponents, they don’t get airtime or headlines. You need those things to make money, I’ve learnt that from the very beginning, watching my old man. “As I got older, my old man took more and more steps back, and I was able to come forward and be my own personality. Now we’re at a stage where I’m comfortable in every situation. I can read the room very well, I can read my opponents well.” Eubank Jr will hope he has a good read of Smith on Saturday. Watch Smith vs Eubank Jr 2 on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday 2 September, live from the AO Arena in Manchester Read More Eubank vs Smith 2 live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Liam Smith: ‘Chris Eubank Jr is a nightmare – not for me, for other people’ Oleksandr Usyk remains heavyweight champion but where does he go from here? Adam Azim seeks Aram Fanyan ‘demolition’ in grandfather’s memory Who is fighting on Eubank vs Smith 2 undercard this weekend? What time does Eubank vs Smith 2 start this weekend?
2023-08-31 21:30
Hamilton and Russell extend contracts at Mercedes
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has extended his contract at Mercedes until the end of the 2025 season
2023-08-31 20:57
Houston and UTSA meet in opener for second straight season after 3 OT thriller last year
Houston and UTSA open the season against each other for a second straight year after Houston escaped with a 37-35 triple overtime win last season
2023-08-31 20:50
What to expect from Friday's jobs report: Steady, but slower, growth
Last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics delivered a jobs report that only Baby Bear could offer: not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
2023-08-31 19:53
Man Utd look for new arrivals on deadline day and Liverpool aim to keep Salah
Injury-ravaged Manchester United’s search for a midfielder and left-back is likely to dominate transfer deadline day as Liverpool aim to keep hold of star man Mohamed Salah. Erik ten Hag’s side have been hit by injuries throughout the first period of the season, seeing the likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and even new signing Rasmus Hojlund all face time off the pitch, with experienced defender Raphael Varane also now missing for the next few weeks. United have been linked with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat throughout the window, which shuts at 11pm on Friday, while left-back Marc Cucurella has been tipped to replace the injured Shaw on loan from Chelsea. Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino kept his cards close to his chest on Wednesday night about possible talks between the two clubs over the future of the 25-year-old. He said: “I don’t know anything (about Cucurella). All the players that are involved every day on the training ground with us are in our plans. Then, things happen, it’s the decision of both the club and the player, and if something happens in the next few days, we will communicate to you.” The future of Salah has hit the headlines over the last week with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad heavily linked with the forward, although Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has already dismissed any potential idea of the Egyptian leaving. One potential incoming at Anfield could be Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. Manchester City are expected to bring in Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes after a £53million deal was struck between the clubs, with Kevin De Bruyne currently sidelined. The 25-year-old is likely to join Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku as new faces at the Etihad Stadium this summer. Chelsea have once again been busy in the window, splashing the cash on the likes of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson and Robert Sanchez, while Cole Palmer could be the next from City. Tottenham are yet to replace striker Harry Kane, who has joined Bayern Munich, but are linked with a move for Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson. Brighton are set to bring Barcelona forward Ansu Fati to the Amex Stadium on loan in the closing stages of the window, with another Barcelona player in Clement Lenglet likely to head to Aston Villa. Fulham could land Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, with Joao Palhinha reportedly a target for Bayern, while Crystal Palace are set to clinch a deal for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live The body still feels good enough – Scotland prop WP Nel has no plans to retire Welsh para table tennis pair could face off for ‘golden ticket’ to Paris Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes moves closer to Man City move in £53million deal
2023-08-31 19:46
Defender Benjamin Pavard transfers from Bayern Munich to Champions League finalist Inter Milan
Champions League finalist Inter Milan has acquired defender Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich
2023-08-31 19:27
Luis Rubiales' uncle blasts 'woman obsessed' nephew and says family support Hermoso
The walls are closing in around Luis Rubiales – now, even his family are turning against the embattled Spanish football association president. Rubiales’ uncle, Juan Rubiales López, has blasted his nephew as a “man obsessed with women” after the football boss grabbed Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso and kissed her mouth during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony The 46-year-old Rubiales has faced repeated calls to step down from his position as a result. Hermoso has since said the action was not consensual. She said the situation had left her feeling “vulnerable and a victim of aggression”. FIFA, the sport’s governing body, has suspended Rubiales for 90 days starting on 26 August. The Spanish FA has stuck firmly by its boss throughout and has even threatened to sue Hermoso. And on 28 August, a Spanish court opened a preliminary investigation to see if what took place was a sexual assault. López, the uncle, now insists the family are on Hermoso’s side, adding that his nephew “needs re-education about women”. Rubiales’ mother locked herself in a church on Monday and declared herself on hunger strike over what she called the “inhumane and bloodthirsty hunt” of her son. But López said the rest of the family are “defending Jenni [Hermoso]”. Lopz said: “I think he needs a social re-education programme and re-education in his relationship with women.” Rubiales' uncle was formerly chief of staff at the FA’s Madrid headquarters until 2020. He was sacked after alleging his nephew organised the "private party" with "eight or 10 young girls" and made him pay for it with association funds. Lopez said the pair’s relationship became strained when he started working with Rubiales at the Spanish football association, saying he didn’t like how Rubiales treated staff. Rubiales has always denied there was a party and that the event was for work purposes, but admitted there was a “barbecue with friends”. Since the kissgate scandal, multiple women have also come forward with accusations ranging from “misogyny to sexual harassment”. As of the morning of Thursday 31 August, Rubiales remains in post. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-31 19:26
Chelsea loan Romelu Lukaku to Roma on season-long deal
Romelu Lukaku has joined Roma on a season-long loan from Chelsea, ending the long-running stand-off between player and club. The PA news agency understands the Serie A club will pay an £8million fee with no obligation to buy while also taking on the Belgium striker’s wages, which will be reduced from the £325,000-a-week he earned at Stamford Bridge. Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino hinted last week that there could still be a place for the 30-year-old in his plans if a deal could not be agreed before Friday’s transfer deadline. However, PA understands that Roma owner Dan Friedkin’s prioritising of Lukaku’s signing as a critical part of the club’s hopes to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2019 prompted them to ensure a deal was done. Lukaku has not played for Chelsea, whom he joined for £97.5m from Inter Milan two summers ago, since May 2022 and spent last season on loan back at Inter, helping them reach the Champions League final. The club were keen to re-sign him this summer but he was reportedly unhappy after being left out of Simone Inzaghi’s starting line-up for the final against Manchester City in Istanbul, which Inter lost 1-0 after Lukaku came on and missed a late opportunity to level the game. Juventus had also been keen to take him on loan earlier in the summer but it is understood Chelsea had been holding out for a permanent sale, albeit one that would recoup a significant proportion of the fee they paid in 2021. Lukaku, who first played for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 but made only 15 appearances between loan spells at West Brom and Everton before being sold to the Goodison Park outfit, will link up with Jose Mourinho, with whom he worked during his time at Manchester United. Read More How Lukaku, football’s nearly man, became Mourinho’s ideal signing Chelsea’s Academy stars can rise to Carabao Cup challenge – Mauricio Pochettino Romelu Lukaku, a chessboard and the Jose Mourinho phone call that lured him to Roma
2023-08-31 19:22
Inside the downfall of embattled property developer China Evergrande
(changes digital headline only) By Engen Tham, Julie Zhu, Clare Jim SHANGHAI/HONG KONG -In the beginning, Hui Ka Yan followed
2023-08-31 19:20
Manchester United transfer news: Sofyan Amrabat, Marc Cucurella, Dean Henderson and more
With the transfer window close to closing, Manchester United go in search of a final few signings having already made a number of high-profile signings earlier in the window. The latest deal saw Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund sign for an initial £64 million to add to Erik ten Hag’s options up front. Mason Mount has also arrived from Chelsea, while Andre Onana from Inter has taken over from David de Gea in goal. With a takeover at Old Trafford still yet to be completed, there is still a degree of uncertainty over how much money Ten Hag has at his disposal, with the Glazer family still in control of the club. Manchester United finished in the top four and reached two cup finals last season, a big improvement on their competitiveness in previous campaigns - but more may still be required to challenge at the very top. LIVE: Follow all the latest transfer moves as deadline day approaches Here’s the latest news and updates concerning any transfers to and from Old Trafford: Sofyan Amrabat After his stellar performance at the World Cup in December last year, Sofyan Amrabat attracted interest from a host of top European clubs. The Fiorentina midfielder has not played for the Serie A club since the start of the season with his future still up in the air, and it now looks like a move to Manchester United is most likely if it can be agreed upon before the deadline. Despite their long-standing interest, United are struggling to raise the funds to buy him because of Financial Fair Play considerations and are looking at a loan instead. The Daily Mail has reported that Fiorentina have already rejected a £1.7m loan offer for the Moroccan, with the Serie A club keen to ensure that there is an obligation to buy clause inserted in any deal between the two clubs. Marc Cucurella United are also working on bringing in a left-back before the transfer window closes after Luke Shaw joined Tyrell Malacia on the treatment table, with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella their preferred candidate. They have also considered Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon and Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico. The left-back played 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday, with boss Mauricio Pochettino suggesting that the Spaniard remains in the club’s plans. “I don’t know anything (about Cucurella),” he said after the match. “All the players that are involved every day on the training ground with us are in our plans. Then, things happen, it’s the decision of both the club and the player, and if something happens in the next few days, we will communicate to you.” Dean Henderson Despite the departure of David de Gea, it would appear that Dean Henderson’s time at the Manchester club may be coming to an end after the arrival of Andre Onana earlier in the window. The goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and may yet depart again, with a deal with Crystal Palace set to be announced imminently. Altay Bayindir And another new goalkeeper may already be on their way in, with Altay Bayindir pictured at an Istanbul Airport preparing to fly to England and complete his move to Old Trafford. The Fenerbahçe stopper will join for a fee in the region of £5m. Read More Why Manchester United are no longer big spenders in the transfer market Manchester United made the right Mason Greenwood decision for all the wrong reasons Gary Neville slams ‘horrible’ Man Utd handling of Mason Greenwood case Manchester United receive interest in Mason Greenwood Uefa calls added time rules ‘absurd’ and refuses to follow suit Transfers latest LIVE: Premier League updates ahead of deadline day
2023-08-31 18:55
Luis Rubiales news LIVE: Family turns on Spanish FA president as new Hermoso video emerges
Luis Rubiales’ family has turned on the beleaguered Spanish Football Federation president after his uncle gave an explosive interview accusing his nephew of being “obsessed with power, with luxury, and with women”. Rubiales remains in his post, however, and has sent new video to Fifa appearing to show Jenni Hermoso laughing over his infamous kiss, as he continues to desperately cling to power. In the video, Hermoso smiles as she shows her teammates a meme about the kiss to her teammates. Rubiales is still hoping to clear his name amid growing pressure to resign his post after Hermoso said the kiss was non-consensual and symptomatic of a broken culture in Spanish football. Rubiales’ mother has meanwhile ended her hunger strike and been admitted to hospital after locking herself in a church in protest over her son’s treatment and the “witch hunt” against him. A priest called Father Antonio said Angeles Bejar had been taken to hospital after feeling tired and unwell. “We have called the son. He’s in touch with her and they have decided that she needed to go to the hospital,” he said. Follow all the latest updates from the Luis Rubiales crisis: Read More Luis Rubiales is just the latest crisis in Spanish FA’s dark history
2023-08-31 18:49
DraftKings + Caesars College Football Promos: $450 GUARANTEED Bonus for ANY Week 1 Game!
Bet $55, win $450 in bonus bets with limited-time offers at DraftKings and Caesars. Read more to learn how you can start using your bonus bets as soon as tonight.
2023-08-31 18:19
