Chris Eubank Jr: The Fighting Style That Divides Boxing

Chris Eubank Jr is one of those fighters who divides opinion completely. To some, he's an athletic freak who overcomes technical shortcomings with pure physical ability. To others, he's a frustrating waste of natural gifts who never quite learned how to box properly.

The truth, as usual, sits somewhere in between. Eubank Jr does things in the ring that shouldn't work - and then makes them work anyway. That's either genius or stubbornness, depending on your perspective.

The Eubank Legacy

Growing up as the son of Chris Eubank Sr would be odd for anyone. Growing up as the son of Chris Eubank Sr while also wanting to be a professional boxer must be something else entirely.

Eubank Sr was a genuine British sporting icon - as much for his monocle and lisp as for his brutal fights with Nigel Benn and Steve Collins. He was technically accomplished, physically tough, and absolutely dedicated to the sport's theatre.

Junior inherited the physical attributes and the showmanship. The technical refinement has always been more of a debate.

Career Highlights

Eubank Jr's career has been defined by big fights and bigger expectations. His win over James DeGale was clinical. The performance against Liam Smith showed genuine improvement. But the loss to Dmitry Bivol exposed the ceiling that many observers had always suspected was there.

The Bivol fight was instructive. Against a world-class operator with genuine skill and ring IQ, Eubank's physical approach simply wasn't enough. Bivol's jab controlled the fight, his footwork created angles Eubank couldn't solve, and the result was never really in doubt.

It was a reminder that at the very highest level of boxing, talent needs technique beside it.

Breaking Down the Style

Physical Approach

Eubank Jr is one of the most naturally athletic fighters in British boxing. His hand speed is exceptional, his reactions are sharp, and his chin is granite. He walks through shots that would drop most middleweights and fires back with combinations that arrive from unexpected angles.

The problem is that he relies on these physical gifts too heavily. When you're faster and stronger than your opponent, you can get away with poor footwork and a high guard that leaves gaps. When you meet someone at your level physically, those gaps get exploited.

The Guard

Eubank's guard is high but narrow. He holds his hands either side of his head, elbows tight, and looks to block-and-counter. It's effective against straight punches but vulnerable to body shots and hooks that come around the guard.

Interestingly, this is a common habit in recreational boxers too. When coaches at clubs like Honour & Glory teach guard position, the emphasis is on keeping the elbows close to the body to protect the ribs, with the hands forward enough to parry and catch. Eubank's guard works because of his reflexes. At club level, it would get you hit to the body all night.

Work Rate

Where Eubank shines is output. He throws a lot of punches, maintains a high pace, and genuinely tries to take fights to his opponents. In a sport where too many fighters are content to jab and hold, Eubank's willingness to engage is refreshing.

This is something every beginner can take from watching him. Don't be passive. Boxing rewards activity. Even if your technique isn't perfect, throwing punches with intent beats standing still and waiting for something to happen.

Ring IQ

This is the area that frustrates purists most. Eubank's ring intelligence has never matched his physical tools. He walks into punches, follows opponents into corners where he has less room to work, and sometimes seems unable to adjust mid-fight when his Plan A isn't working.

Compare this to someone like Bivol, who constantly adjusts angles, varies pace, and controls distance. The gap in ring IQ is more significant than any gap in physical ability.

What Club Boxers Can Learn

1. Athleticism Has Limits

You can be the fittest, strongest person in the gym, but if your fundamentals aren't sound, a technically better boxer will beat you. Every session should include time on the basics - stance, guard, movement.

2. Work Rate Wins Rounds

Eubank's willingness to throw punches is something recreational boxers should study. In amateur and club-level boxing, the boxer who lands more clean shots wins. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Create opportunities by keeping your hands busy.

3. Body Shots Matter

The fighters who've had most success against Eubank have gone to the body. It's a lesson for every level of boxing. The body is a bigger target than the head, doesn't move as much, and accumulates damage. At Honour & Glory, body shot technique is a regular part of pad work.

4. Entertainment Matters Too

Say what you like about his technical limitations, Eubank Jr puts bums on seats. He understands that boxing is entertainment. For recreational boxers, there's a lesson there too - enjoy it. Boxing should be fun, challenging, and occasionally theatrical. If you're not enjoying the training, something's wrong.

Try Boxing Yourself

Watching fighters like Eubank Jr makes you want to throw punches. If you're anywhere near Greenwich or south east London, come and try a session at Honour & Glory. First class is free, all equipment provided, and our coaches will have you throwing combinations by the end of the hour.