Chris Eubank Jr has cast doubt on his future in boxing after publishing a disturbing video from his hospital bed. The 36-year-old suffered a heartbreaking points loss to long-time opponent Conor Benn last month, seven months after he initially raised his hand for the ‘Destroyer’. Eubank Jr struggled at the weigh-in ahead of his first clash with Benn in April, for which he was subsequently fined £375,000.
“Next Gen” then required two nights of hospital care before being released following medical examinations. Eubank Jr admitted he experienced severe dehydration while desperately trying to reach the middleweight threshold. He appears to have faced similar difficulties in the rematch after posting a disturbing update on social media.
In footage shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Brighton fighter was photographed in a hospital bed in the presence of medical staff, connected to various cables and monitoring equipment. Alongside the post, he wrote: “I have been struggling with a lot of health issues over the last year and yes, it all finally dawned on me last month.
“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 stout and slender, I will do everything in my power to one day make my elderly self come back in a massive way.”
The future remains uncertain for the experienced fighter, who has 39 fights under his belt. After the 12-round rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Benn encouraged his rival to consider retirement.
The son of boxing legend Nigel Benn has advised Eubank Jr to focus on life outside the ring, especially after Eubank Jr announced he is expecting twin boys next year. “I can see him asking for a rematch, but ultimately I think we should let it go now,” he said.
“We did what we promised, we sold out the stadium twice, so let’s end it.
“He has more essential 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 up to me to decide whether he should retire, but he has more essential things in his life now.”
In the rematch, Eubank Jr was a shadow of his previous form, landing 300 fewer punches on Benn compared to their first meeting. “Next Gen” revealed that he had some stern struggles before his defeat.
“I went through hell and back to get here,” he said. “I really thought that no matter what problems I was facing, I could go in there and win, utilize my boxing skills and what I used in the first fight to beat Conor Benn. From the first round, I realized I was wrong, but it’s OK. I’m a fighter and that’s what I do. No matter the dangers and the risks, we go to war and that’s what we do.”
“I gave it my all. Conor Benn put up a hell of a fight, had a great performance and did everything that was asked of him. Congratulations on his performance.”
Despite numerous opportunities to discuss his difficulties, Eubank Jr declined. When asked about potential retirement, he replied: “We are not talking about it at the moment.
“It’s not about me. Tonight is about Conor. He did what he had to do to win and he put up a great fight. You saw where I stand tonight. Yes, I thought when the radiant lights came on and that round was over that I would find something, and I tried. I tried challenging, but it wasn’t there, and Conor was sturdy, rapid, and tough. Yes, congratulations to him.”
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.