Home Breaking Boxing News Ringside Report: Chris Eubank to take the crown from English?

Ringside Report: Chris Eubank to take the crown from English?

Sheffield Arena 24-10-15

Eubank Jnr Impresses with an entertaining undercard in support

Setting

There was clearly a sense of disappointment in the air due to the absence of local world Champion Brook but the night was saved with strong vocal support for a number of fighters on the show and some superb contests.

Chris Eubank Jr (19-1-0) vs Tony ‘Mo Better’ Jeter (20-4-1), interim WBA World middleweight title

There’s no point in pretending that this fight was something it wasn’t. This was Eubank’s first fight for Matchroom and therefore was a match made to showcase his talents. It was never meant to be the main event or a significant test.

Entering the ring with his characteristic top-rope jump and father Eubank Senior (‘English’) carrying the Union Jack, Chris Eubank Jr was greeted by a warm response from crowd.

Eubank looked big at the weight, muscular and in excellent, powerful shape.

It was a tentative start, the lion stalking his prey. Jeter quickly realising what he was up against when the first big right hand landed. The fight continued at a slow pace until Eubank landed a crisp, short land hook putting Jeter down with a minute to go in the first. Jeter on the retreat survived the first. Between rounds it was interesting to see that new trainer Adam Booth was the main-man in the corner, none of the father son antics seen previously with the Eubanks.

Eubank wasn’t hanging around in the second. He was straight on Jeter, relentlessly landing big head shots. Jeter had no response and the fight was rightfully stopped at 29 seconds of the second round by Howard Foster. Boos rang out from certain sections of the crowd, but I was sat directly behind Jeter and could hear the punches landing. Not for the first time in his career Foster stopped a fighter from getting seriously hurt.

Chris Eubank

The Future

It’s to be Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan up next in December, an eliminator for the WBA middleweight title. O’Sullivan is sure to pose a greater threat than Jeter, but after seeing Eubank tonight I predict a Eubank KO victory at the O2. Next up would be a contest against either reigning champion Daniel Jacobs or Peter Quillin who have a scheduled bout for the title in December, either fighter would prove a real test for any middleweight and if he could come through that contest, Eubank would have established himself on the world stage.

It was a strong, powerful performance from Eubank and I expect him to reach the highest levels of the sport.

Gavin McDonnell (13-0-2) vs Jeremy Parodi (37-2-1) EBU (European) super bantamweight title

I feel Parodi was prematurely written off by many prior to this fight. He’d only ever lost two out of 40 fights and had only been stopped once, by Carl Frampton.

Every round of the fight pretty much ran the same course. Gavin, the taller fighter used his boxing skills to good effect, trying to keep Parodi off him and land combinations. Parodi was relentless, like a French Jack Russell. Whatever Gavin threw at him Parodi kept on marching forwards, but just lacked the quality to take the rounds. As has been shown by Parodi’s record it takes some serious firepower to stop him, power that McDonnell simply does not possess.

I scored the fight 119-111 to McDonnell, with the three judges scoring the contest 117-111 (x2) and 118-110.

Next

McDonnell will now be looking at progressing up to world level and emulate his brother Jamie. Although unbeaten I feel McDonnell may lack the power to take things to the next level and grab a world title.

Leigh ‘Leigh-thal’ Wood (15-1-0) vs Josh ‘Outlaw’ Wale (18-7-2), British Featherweight Title Eliminator

Leigh had only suffered one previous defeat, by Gavin McDonnell. Wale was very much seen as a test that Wood would have to overcome if he was expected to go much further.

Both fighters, especially the Yorkshireman Wale received a superb reception from the crowd.

Overall Wood’s class set him apart in this one. Carl Froch was ringside, giving his support to Gedling man Wood, who at times appeared to try to emulate Froch’s hand’s down style.

Wood had Wale against the ropes on a number of occasions, landing some hurtful shots, Wale gesturing for more. However, there were warning signs that Wood’s concentration can lapse at times, with Wale landing his own blows on occasion. These slips will be very costly at a higher level.

I scored the contest 98-92 Wood. The three judges had the fight 99-91, 99-92 and 98-92.

Onto the British title next for Wood.

Atif ‘Unique’ Shafiq (14-1-0) vs Jamie ‘Ginger Rocket’ Robinson (6-2-1)

For me this was fight of the night and absolute cracker form the opening bell.

On after Eubank’s beating of Jeter the majority of the crowd remained to watch this heated battle.

The crowd was definitely on the side of Robinson, having reportedly sold over 500 tickets. Their enthusiasm further fuelled by heated exchanges at the weigh in the previous day. The most noise the crowd had made all night.

Within 30 seconds of the first Shafiq landed a beauty of a left hook, putting Robinson on his back side. Robinson looked like he was in real trouble and looked unsteady throughout the remainder of the round.

Atif again looked strong in the second, with Robinson recovering to take the third. The fourth I had level. Shafiq looking very skilful, but Robinsons starting to land some good shots. Round five, back to Atif with the more slick work. 6-8 all to Robinson on my card. He really troubled Shafiq at times, but not doing quite enough to put him down. Both fighters were cut after 6.

Strangely, I scored the fight in my notebook as a draw, however when taken as a whole I do feel that Atif probably just did enough to take the victory and looked to have the greater potential.

The referee scored the contest 78-74 for Shafiq, which I feel was too wide. A rematch would be a very interesting prospect.

Other results

Of the remaining four fights Russell Henshaw (5-0-0) vs Paul Morris (5-29-2) at cruiserweight (4 rounds) was probably the highlight, with Henshaw having a decent following. A good battle to start the night. Henshaw letting his exuberance get the better of him, throwing a MMA style Superman punch, knocking Harris down in the first, much to the hilarity of the crowd. Although on a serious note he was lucky he wasn’t disqualified. Howard Foster (39-37 to Henshaw).

Steven Hale (6-0-0) vs Dean Evans (2-8-1) at lightweight (Four rounds), Hale receiving superb support. Hale comfortably taking the first three rounds, but letting Evans back in, in the fourth. Referee scoring the fight 40-37 to Hale.

Lee Appleyard (4-1-0) vs Andy Harris (3-28-1) up next in another lightweight contest over four rounds. Appleyard with a comfortable win, taking every round in the referee’s opinion.

Finally, David Allen (7-0-1) vs Fabrice Aurieng (10-7-0) a heavyweight contest over six rounds. Allen had his opponent down in the first, but started to rapidly tire. The referee just giving him the decision over six 57-56.

Conclusion

Despite the disappointment of Brook being injured a good night of boxing in Sheffield, finished off with the superb bout between Shafiq and Robinson.

Chris Eubank Snr has noted this week that he wished to be known as ‘English’, effectively passing his name across to Junior. Whether Junior will surpass Senior, only time will tell, but he has a strong opportunity.

Stuart Bruno Brown reporting from ringside.