Chris Eubank Jr Claims George Groves was Tougher Fight Than Conor Benn

Chris Eubank Jr is now just hours away from facing long-time rival Conor Benn for a second time. Although Eubank took the win in their first fight, he was hospitalised immediately afterwards, with multiple injuries requiring an overnight stay. However, he insists that the fight was not the toughest of his career.

Eubank Jr had to go the full 12 rounds to get the win over Benn in April. Eventually prevailing via unanimous decision, he and Benn combined to deliver a staggering 582 punches over the course of a bruising and bloody affair. But despite being pushed to the limit by ‘The Destroyer’, who was unbeaten in 23 fights heading into the bout, Eubank Jr played down the impact that the contest had on him. Speaking to Sky Sports, he insisted:

“I knew exactly where I was, I knew exactly what I was doing. “I was controlling that fight. It was tough for sure, but punishing, no. It was a dogfight. I’ve had tougher fights.”

Naturally, that begged the question as to who was the most difficult opponent that Eubank Jr had faced over the course of his professional career? The boxer concerned is one of the only three fighters with a victory over Eubank Jr.

‘He Punched Like a Mule’ – Eubank Jr Names His Toughest Fight

He continued: “I know what I’m capable of, I’ve been in those spots before. I don’t know if he ever has. He has now. But in terms of experience when it comes to getting into those hairy situations, experience is on my side for sure.”

Eubank Jr’s encounter with George Groves came in 2018 in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series tournament. Groves was the WBA super middleweight champion at the time and his title was on the line against Eubank Jr. The fight remains Eubank Jr’s only shot at a major world title.

The fight was Groves’ 31st of his career and his experience showed against Eubank Jr, who was only 28 at the time. Groves showed his studious nature throughout the fight, stifling Eubank Jr’s key weapons: the left hook and his overhand right. As the fight wore on, Next Gen’s offense became more erratic, allowing Groves to easily counter his increasingly untamed approach.

Eubank Jr’s bloodied face, courtesy of a deep gash above the right eye, remains the enduring image of Groves’ dominant display. Despite being taken to 12 rounds, the unanimous margins of 117-112, 116-112, and 115-113 told the true story of Groves’ impressive display at the peak of his powers and the respect he earned from Eubank Jr that night in Manchester.

On Saturday night, when he and Benn return to do battle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Eubank will hope to make his own experience tell against his younger opponent. Benn may not have been his toughest career fight, but there can be no denying that it was a gruelling experience. Eubank Jr has more fights behind than in front of him at this stage of his career and may well consider hanging up his gloves regardless of the result, particularly if he is dragged into another war of attrition with Benn.