By Chris Eubank Jr, the son of one of the UK’s legendary fighters, continues his quest for a world title, setting his sights on the WBA belt held by Erislandy Lara. Despite the wealth and success he’s achieved in his boxing career, Eubank Jr insists his ambition remains as strong as ever. He believes that to excel in boxing, one must be entirely obsessed with becoming the best, a drive he embodies fully.
Living and training in Las Vegas, Eubank Jr could easily be mistaken for a part-time fighter, indulging in leisure activities like playing poker. However, such assumptions would be far from the truth. He remains deeply motivated, not by financial gain, but by a desire to achieve greatness in the sport. “I’m hungry in terms of boxing, to go out there to win, to inspire the public, to inspire the kids coming up, to inspire myself. That’s the most important thing for me,” Eubank Jr told Sky Sports.
His love for the sport, rather than materialistic desires, drives him. The poker games he plays are merely a hobby, a way to replicate the adrenaline rush he experiences in the ring. Eubank Jr likens the mental focus required in poker to that in boxing, maintaining a “poker face” both at the table and in the ring.
As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Kamil Szeremeta on October 12, Eubank Jr is also targeting a world title shot. Although the name Lara may not be the most appealing to fans, the opportunity to claim a middleweight world title is a personal goal for him. He also has his eyes set on “mega-fights” with big names like Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, aiming to match and even surpass his father’s accomplishments in the sport.
Reflecting on his life, Eubank Jr acknowledges the challenges he faced after his father went bankrupt during his teenage years. This experience fueled his determination to succeed and sustain the lifestyle he once enjoyed. However, his primary motivation remains his passion for boxing. “If you don’t genuinely obsess about being the best fighter you can be, you will never make it,” he emphasized.
Eubank Jr’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, proving wrong those who doubted he could become a great fighter. His ambition to carry on his family’s legacy and make a name for himself in the boxing world continues to drive him forward.
