Chris Eubank Jr was spotted at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just days after sharing a worrying health update. The boxer went to X on Tuesday to post a clip of him in a hospital bed, hooked up to various wires and machines.
Alongside the footage, he wrote: “I have been dealing with a lot of health issues over the past year and yes, last month it finally dawned on me. I won’t be boxing anymore until I’m back to 100% and I don’t know when that will be, but one thing is for sure… For the fans who have supported me through bulky and skinny, I will do everything in my power to one day bring my ancient self back in a large way.”
However, it appears that the British boxing star is back on his feet, as was evident in the pit lane of the Abu Dhabi GP. Eubank Jr wore a brown Gucci jacket, crisp black jeans and a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes as he posed for photographers before the start of the races.
The ruling came just weeks after the 36-year-old’s points defeat to Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The sons of Chris Eubank senior and Nigel Benn in April reignited a family rivalry dating back to the 1990s when they clashed in the capital.
That evening, Eubank Jr claimed a unanimous decision victory over Benn in a masterful display under the radiant lights. However, the head-to-head rematch in November proved to be a completely different matter. “Next Gen” was outclassed by the quick footwork and keen striking of the much more agile Benn, who lasted a relentless 12 rounds before losing by unanimous decision.
After this competition, Benn even suggested that his long-time opponent might consider ending his career altogether. He said: “I can see him asking for a rematch, but ultimately I think we should leave it alone for now. We did what we said we would do, we sold out the stadium twice, so let’s get it over with.”
“He has more crucial things on his mind than fighting. He has won life thanks to his two sons and if I were him, I would look at the reasons why he chose boxing. Ultimately, he will be a father of two children, and that is always the priority. It is not for me to judge whether he should retire, but he has more crucial things in his life now.”
The event coincides with the culmination of the Formula 1 2025 campaign next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Lando Norris needs only third place at Yas Marina on Sunday to secure a maiden Drivers’ Championship, with McLaren currently top of the table with 408 points.
During this campaign, Norris claimed seven wins and 17 podium finishes as he pursued glory alongside teammate Oscar Piastri. Nevertheless, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will be determined to end the British championship hopes and secure a fifth consecutive F1 crown.
Before Sunday’s race, the 28-year-old is only 12 points behind Norris. If he secures victory in Abu Dhabi and Norris finishes fourth or lower, that will be enough for him to win the title outright.
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.