Chris Eubank Jr vs Matt Korobov – who wins?
Chris Eubank Jr. (28-1) and top contender Matt Korobov (28-2-1) will battle for the Interim WBA Middleweight Title in the co-main event with WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo and highly rated contender Dennis Hogan this Saturday, December 7, live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.BBN asked their panel of experts for their predictions on Eubank Jr's Stateside debut:
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"Whilst Eubank Jr could have big domestic showdowns with the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith, the decision to fight Matt Korobov at middleweight seems odd.
Korobov is a crafty southpaw who despite being fairly inactive in recent years, has fought at a high level and some even thought that he beat Jermall Charlo in his last outing.
Eubank has been perplexed by superior technicians in the past but with Korobov's advancing age and tendency to lose focus in fights, I think Eubank's youth, pressure and athleticism will allow him to grind through to a 12 round, close and competitive decision victory."
Sergio Michel
American guitarist/songwriter & boxing superfan
"Eubank Jr. in many ways is much like Adrien Broner. Someone who you know has the ability to be a dominant boxer, but lacks the discipline to reach their potential. With this fact, I can simply say Eubank Jr. wins this, but only because his opponent isn't such a threat to him.
I agree with Eubank Sr., that Jr. should not delude himself regarding Canelo."
Paul Stevenson
Head Coach at Everton Red Triangle Gym
"Korobov is very quick handed, well balanced and a good counter puncher and as a 2 time World Amateur Champion and a European Gold Medallist has a fantastic amateur pedigree.
Both have pretty much identical records as pros with Eubank being inactive for nearly a year following his win over James DeGale. This coupled with Korobov’s southpaw style and undoubted natural ability make me think of Eubank struggling to find his way in the early going. But Korobov is 36 years old which is no spring chicken for an middleweight and he’s been found wanting as a younger man at the top level plus he’s susceptible to right hands, and right uppercuts in particular which is a shot Eubank (and his dad) throws very well. I see Eubank having his problems early but see youth being served down the stretch with Eubank winning a close decision."
Jack Hughes
Southern Area title contender
"I’m a big, big Eubanks fan. I just love his attitude towards boxing and how he’s always in the gym and that he’s always ready. Don’t know to much about korobov but I know he’s getting on and when he’s stepped up he’s come short. I doubt Eubank will stop him as his only ever been stopped by Andy Lee, but I think Eubank will grind it down and will be a Eubank UD points win."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"I think that Chris Eubank Jr is catching Matvey Korobov just at the right time, with a defeat followed by a draw in his last two fights and aged 36 now.
It'll be some statement if Chris can win by stoppage and I hope he does. If he has continued to make improvements, produces a performance like he did against James DeGale, and uses his superstar work rate and fitness, then I think there's only one winner.
He claims to be a beast at middleweight, since dropping back down again, so I can see him getting the stoppage win. It'd be past the midway point I would suspect because he doesn't have concussive power, so he will need a few rounds to wear his opponent down first. I'd love to see him get the win between rounds 7-9."
Jordan Neild
BBN Writer
“This is a tough one to predict as you never really know what version of Chris Eubank Jr will turn up.
I like him at middleweight however and this will be a really good scalp for his record. I’m going to go for Chris Eubank to win a points decision. Korobov has been a really good fighter and has all the tools to beat Eubank but I think a fresh and fit Eubank might just overwhelm Korobov at this stage of his career”
Bolu Kareem
Middleweight debutant
"Chris Eubank Jr. all the way.
I might be biased because I’m a big fan but he is a machine and he has worked very hard for the opportunity, he doesn’t get enough credit, he is relentless and his work rate is second to none.
I believe he will outwork Korobov."