James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr: Prediction and where the fight will be won and lost
Here SunSport explores the keys to victory for both fighters, and a final prediction in what could be a career threatening night for either man.
Keys to Victory
James DeGale
IT IS hard to go against the generic, but true prediction that if a DeGale of old shows up tomorrow night – he will outbox Eubank.
Because it is true – Eubank has shown in his two losses (against Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves) that he can be outboxed – but equally, on his day, DeGale has the skills to outsmart any opponent.
DeGale has to keep his distance for the majority of the spells, behind his southpaw jab, because Eubank finds the majority of his success in mid-range, where he can let rip with uppercuts and hooks to the body.
However, DeGale is equally as effective in close, as he ducks under with looping hooks in a good number – so meeting in close with Eubank can work for “Chunky” – but only at selected times.
DeGale can take advantage of Eubank’s less schooled defence with shots such as a lead left hand, or hook, because against an aggressive puncher these single attacks can be hard to counter.
Above all DeGale must stay away from the ropes, unlike during his shock loss against Caleb Truax last year, because against a quick, active combination puncher like Eubank, this could throw away the rounds and energy.
Chris Eubank Jr
WHILE Eubank may be less gifted in the boxing department, the Brighton man has the edge in physical traits such as energy, freshness and stamina – something that can overlay pure skill in a 12-round, 36 minute fight.
Eubank has to showcase a more prominent jab against DeGale – true this shot will never be as well schooled as DeGale’s but it can at least guide him into that mid-range, where he is most effective.
In Eubank’s two losses, getting into range to fire off his combination punching has been the 29-year-old’s biggest downfall – which has been due to not leading his attack with a range finding jab.
Eubank must at least probe out his jab, to find range against DeGale and use his pressure to back his man up and unleash the shots we know he is capable of devastating people with.
If new trainer Nate Vasquez has improved Eubank’s footwork and balance, when setting up an attack he could be so dangerous – if not, like against Groves “Next Gen” will find himself lunging in, falling short, and possibly on the receiving end of a counter.
Eubank has to be more active early on against DeGale, to put right those wrongs that cost him against Groves and Saunders – and, against an aging opponent, he could wear out his man in the first half, and take advantage down the stretch.
SunSport Prediction
WHEN deciding a winner, a key factor to this fight is it’s James DeGale’s to lose – as he holds the superior skillset, but it depends how much he has left to give.
For me, DeGale’s natural size and boxing experience will be enough to outbox a natural middleweight in Chris Eubank Jr.
I believe DeGale is a level above Eubank, as he is a former world champion and Olympic gold medalist – compared to his opponents less accomplished career.
DeGale has evidently slowed down in his last two fights, meaning style-wise a fighter like Eubank could expose this with speed, combination punching and activity.
But coming in as a small man means he may not be able to deploy these tactics – while Eubank has struggled to showcase the footwork and jab needed to get into the all important mid-range.
I see DeGale controlling the range enough to outbox an improved Eubank, who will flurry and cause problems at times – but not enough to out-do the previous smart fighting of “Chunky”
Although, I do believe a good performance from Eubank can see him drop down to middleweight and still campaign for world title glory, but a poor showing tomorrow and many will lose belief.
Whereas for DeGale, even a split-decision loss or mighty close defeat should spell the end for him – as he has nothing left to prove, unlike Eubank.
- Verdict: James DeGale points win
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