(From left to right) trainer Jim McDonnell, James DeGale, promoter Richard Poxon, Chris Eubank Sr and Chris Eubank Jr during the press conference
The head coach says relationship with owner Marinakis is ‘not so good’
IT CAN only be one of two things; either a testament to the rude health of British boxing, or an indictment of the disrespect afforded its fans by the moneymen responsible for making a non-title domestic bout between two fighters on the downslide pay per view.
While tonight’s clash at the O2 between former IBF world champion James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr — broadcast on ITV Box Office — has more than a few ingredients to commend it, the distinct whiff of two fighters cashing in as their respective careers wind down — in DeGale’s case to retirement, in Eubank’s to irrelevancy — is hard to overlook.
DeGale, whom it now seems extraordinary to recall bagged a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has certainly been making noises to that effect, while Eubank has undeniably lost his lustre since going down to a heavy defeat at the hands of George Groves a year ago at the Manchester Arena.
In recently published book Baddest Man, Mark Kriegel revisits the Faustian pact at the heart of Mike Tyson’s rise and the emotional fallout that followed, writes JOHN WIGHT
As we mark the anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, JOHN WIGHT reflects on the enormity of the US decision to drop the atom bombs
From humble beginnings to becoming the undisputed super lightweight champion of the world, Josh Taylor’s career was marked by fire, ferocity, and national pride, writes JOHN WIGHT
Mary Kom’s fists made history in the boxing world. Malak Mesleh’s never got the chance. One story ends in glory, the other in grief — but both highlight the defiance of women who dare to fight, writes JOHN WIGHT
