By Ciaran O’Malley – In less than 24 hours the IBO World Champion Chris Eubank Jr (24-1) will face off against Arthur Abraham (46-5) in his first defence of the title in the Wembley Arena, London. Also at stake on the night will be a place as third seed in the World Boxing Super Series Quarter Finals against Turkish Super Middleweight Avni Yilidrim.
Eubank is heavy favourite in the bout with most bookmakers having the English 27 years old 1/10 on, but not only does Eubank have youth on his side but he is the much more athletic athlete of the two fighters. Eubank has tremendous hand speed and can fire shots for many angles, his quick feet help him out of unnecessary exchanges and this will be needed against Abraham especially in the first half of the fight where the wise veteran will be dangerous as he still possess heavy hands.
Eubank is not a concussive puncher who doesn’t possess one punch knockout power but his output of shots per round can be staggering, a lot of this is due to the factor Eubank punches on the move more so than setting and planting his feet before unleashing a combination. With this I feel Abraham, who still carries power in his punches and has be renowned his whole career as being extremely strong will march forward through Eubanks attacks in the early round making the first half of the fight dangerous for Eubank. Eubank can be a slow starter so he must be alive from the first bell to avoid danger, if he can come through these rounds and weather any offensive attacks that Abraham may send his way he should go on to win the fight against the German who has never been stopped. Eubank must keep his jab busy all night which will make life much easier for him as it will upset Abraham’s rhythm and make it much harder for him to set-up his own attacks.
Abraham is far from his best and at the age of 37 is coming to the end of his career, if stopped in the fight, which would be the first time, I would not be surprised if it was the last we see of the former 3-time World Champion. I believe the rising contender will have too much speed and athleticism for the old general and a wide unanimous decision or even a late stoppage could be on the cards Eubank Jr.
Twitter: @91OMalley