Chris Eubank Jr vs Arthur Abraham – who wins?
Chris Eubank Jr (24-1) takes on Arthur Abraham (46-5) in the first defence of his IBO super-middleweight title at Wembley Arena this Saturday night, live on ITV Box Office.
The Armenian is based in Germany and has won the last two of his 51 career fights. He’s 10 years older than Eubank but has defeated fellow Brits Martin Murray and Paul Smith in recent years.
Eubank Jr turned down chances to step up against fellow middleweight dons Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders in order to defend his new title, which is largely unrecognised by many.
Controversy follows the Eubanks around and you can be sure that this fight will be much of the same, so BBN called upon their panel of experts to see what they think will happen:
Sam StoreyWorld title contender
“In the beginning of Eubank Junior's career, people were very sceptical about his ability. This put him under a lot of pressure but I think he has now proved a lot of people wrong.
The fight with Billy Joe Saunders, even though he lost on a split decision, was a huge learning curve for Junior because, prior to that, he had no experience of doing 12 hard rounds. This fight proved he can last the pace. He got the tempo wrong against Saunders and did not do enough in the earlier rounds, he finished strong but this mistake cost him the decision.
Against Abraham, who has had a great career, I think Eubank will be too strong and youth will be on his side.
I predict a win for Chris Junior in the 8th or 9th round or a points win.”
Tommy LangfordBritish middleweight champion
“I think Eubank Jr will win, annoyingly.
He is too young and fresh for Abraham. However, I'd be extremely surprised if Eubank stops Abraham, who has only ever been stopped due to an eye injury in the Steglitz fight.
He has never been dented by genuinely big-punching super-middles.
I think Eubank Jr rides out on points but I'd love Abraham to land on Eubank and knock him out!”
Andy GatenbyRetired unbeaten super-featherweight
“Eubank stoppage in the eighth round.
The Eubanks are off their nut and always do their own thing! It’s definitely a winnable fight for him and they know that he’ll get the win and look good doing it.”
Ben DayFormer Southern Area super-lightweight champion
“I think Eubank Jr will win, Abraham's guard is perfect for the beautiful uppercuts Junior throws, Abraham is too upright and hands too high which is where Junior will exploit.”
Kevin CampionBoxing Coach
“Eubank Jr’s movement should be the key and he should be too slick and too quick and win by a points decision.
However, don’t count Abraham out, he may be older than he used to be but he is the more natural super-middleweight and can still whack.
Eubank Jr must resist the temptation to go toe-to-toe with him to just prove a point.”
Niall DoranFounder of Boxing News & Views
“Looking forward to this – it should be a good match up, stylistically.
Both guys like to come forward and engage and although Abraham might be past his best now, he is a proud warrior who will not be coming over to the UK to get bashed up or just for a pay check. That in itself and the fact Eubank Jr knows he needs to win to get into the World Super Boxing Series, should make it a terrific fight.
I think Eubank Jr might become the first to ever to stop Abraham. Possibly late on.”
Tim RicksonSports Agent at TR Sports Agency
“Eubank wins because he only fights opponents he can beat.
That may seem like an obvious comment but I truly believe that his management team have a list of fighters that are split into two columns – ones they will fight and ones they won’t.
You can bank on Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders being top of the ‘Won’t’ list.
He ducks GGG and BJS in favour of fighting Gary O’Sullivan, Nick Blackwell and Renold Quinlan – opposition that will stand in front of him to be hit, still targets, but can’t match him for speed.
AAA will be the same – stood in front; easy to hit; not as fast.
Eubank Jr. will want to make a statement here and stop Abraham but he doesn’t have any real power at super-middleweight so I don’t see a knockout, just a unanimous points decision, in my view.”
Chris GloverBoxing Journalist
“Eubank Jr is keen to put on a show and make, what I would describe as, a 'calculated statement' by stopping Arthur Abraham on Saturday.
Abraham is no stranger to British fight fans, having shared a ring with Carl Froch, Paul Smith and Martin Murray. His time as a force in boxing has passed in many people’s eyes. He is tough and I expect him to be there for 10 of the 12 rounds, however, he is quite flat-footed, which suits Eubank Jr as he can tee off on Abraham.
My prediction is a Eubank Jr late stoppage.”
This article is sponsored by TR Sports Agency
