by Owen Hammond: In just short of a week’s time, the highly anticipated fight between Billy Joe Saunders (20-0-0, 11 KOs) and Chris Eubank Jr (18-0-0, 13 KOs) will take place as chief support to the British and European Heavyweight clash between Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury at London’s ExCel arena. Though this fight is not the main event, it is arguably worthy of headlining a card itself and certainly has the potential to outshine the rest of the fights taking place that night.
In what is a very intriguing match-up, and a somewhat rarity in that we are seeing two unbeaten records on the line so early in each fighters career, we will see two of Britain’s most talented Middleweights go head to head for the British, Commonwealth and European championships. In one corner we have Billy Joe Saunders, the holder of all three of the aforementioned belts.
With a solid amateur pedigree, Saunders brings a proven, unbeaten professional record which has seen him beat the best in Britain and most recently step up to European level to take the EBU crown. In the other corner we have Chris Eubank Jr, son of the former Middleweight and Super-Middleweight world champion not to mention one of the most intriguing fighters of the 90’s. Eubank Jr, a much less experienced amateur, also boasts an unbeaten record as a professional. It is however fair to say that the level of opposition on Eubank Jr’s CV is inferior to that of Saunders. Where Saunders has proven his ability on more than one occasion against decent opposition, Eubank Jr has yet to face a credible opponent in many peoples eyes therefore this is a fight of Proven vs Unproven.
In beating the likes of John Ryder, Gary O’Sullivan and Nick Blackwell, Saunders has demonstrated assets such as speed, good footwork and good counter-punching ability. In terms of power I wouldn’t class Saunders as a huge puncher, however he does possess some sting in his shots as demonstrated last time out against Emanuele Blandamura. Eubank Jr on the other hand has shown us a mixture of speed, power, impressive defensive skills and the ability to confuse his opponents with his sometimes eccentric style. So how do you separate the two?
On paper, Billy Joe Saunders has to be the clear favourite, not only is he more experienced in terms of level of opposition, but he has been the twelve round distance on five occasions, something that Eubank Jr has yet to experience. However fights don’t happen on paper. Fights happen in real life and no amount of paper can prepare a fighter for what they will experience in the ring. Had this been many other fighter with the record Eubank Jr has, I would say Saunders’ experience will most likely get him the win. Having seen Eubank Jr develop as a professional however, albeit against lesser opposition, it is quite clear to me that Eubank Jr is no normal fighter.
Molded by his father’s influence and ‘tough love’, in conjunction with his own desire and unquestionable dedication, Eubank Jr epitomises a true athlete of the sport of boxing. Inheriting some of his fathers eccentricity in the ring, Eubank Jr also brings his own thing. How good this ‘thing’ is, we have yet to find out but unfortunately for Billy Joe Saunders I believe he will find out himself on the 29th. Taking absolutely nothing away from Billy Joe Saunders, or his many achievements as an amateur and professional, in my eyes this is a fight that he cannot win. When dealing with a fighter who possesses the raw talent, not to mention the sickening engine that Eubank Jr does, no amount of experience can help. My thoughts are that Saunders should have pursued the world title opportunity that he was so close to sealing, because after the 29th he will see his ranking that he has worked so hard to achieve disappear and be replaced by a certain Chris Eubank Jr.
I expect an entertaining fight where both boxers enjoy success, but ultimately we will see a distinction in levels as the fight progresses. I expect Eubank Jr to frustrate, confuse, outwork and ultimately out-fight Billy Joe Saunders en-route to a Unanimous Decision. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Eubank Jr gets a late stoppage which, after the 29th, everyone will see is nothing to be ashamed of from Billy Joe Saunders’ point of view.
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