Chris Eubank Jr produced his best big fight performance of his professional career to beat James DeGale and claim the vacant IBO world super middleweight title at the O2 Arena.
After disappointing defeats to Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves, 'Next Gen' stepped up big time against the 2008 Olympic Gold medalist and caught him with a series of wicked shots throughout the fight.
The Brightonian had said the no-love-lost bout was "do or die" and he fought as if his life depended on it, bossing pretty much the whole fight in a polar opposite display to the one he churned in against Groves in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final in Manchester.
DeGale showed tremendous fighting spirit to see out the full 12 rounds but to the surprise of no-one, it was Eubank who emerged victorious with a comfortable unanimous points victory.
For the first time in his career, Eubank Jr hired a full-time trainer by enlisting the help of Nate Vasquez from the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas and it showed - with the 29-year old boxing with a nice blend of ferocity and cuteness.
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Eubank spoke of how he proved his doubters wrong in this fight and vowed to go after the other middleweight and super middleweight titles as it's "belt collecting season".
He also admitted he had a deeper respect for DeGale after he refused to quit. 'Chunky' had dubbed this 'The Retirement Fight' beforehand and when asked whether this it was him done and dusted, he said he'd go back to speak with his team before making the final call.
Did Eubank impress you with his performance? Should DeGale call it a day now?
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Sound off in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Chris Eubank Jr, Boxing News, Boxing
