Came across an old Eubank article on my travels

Crew2 · Post by **Crew2** » 02 May 2007, 18:59

While searching about colons lol

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent. ... unc16.html So wish he got the dec against Thompson

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 02 May 2007, 19:17

After reading Dark Trade, I was somewhat put off Eubank. But the more I look over his career the more I appreciate. The guy may not have fought many Yanks, but who else has taken on so many outstanding men from these shores? We piss on Calzaghe and Hatton for not facing Woods and Witter...Yet Eubank had Benn (twice), Watson (twice), Collins (twice), Thompson (twice) and Calzaghe (just the one time).

Also, when you see so many top fighters these days either as local attractions or given flattering contracts by HBO, you look at Eubank who carved out his own persona and made himself an attraction. By contrast look at 'B-Hops', all he could do was walk in a ring with an executioner hood for 'notoriety', fight listless mandatories and go off on rambling soliloqies that are hard to listen to.

Admittedly, Chris didn't seem to have full contro over his talent, was probably hindered by weight making and didn't show his best unless backed in a corner. But in many ways that enhanced his enigmatic personality.

Eubank deserves a lot of recogition for making himself what he was. His fights had a genuine sense of occasion, from his match with pretty boy Gary Stretch to the wars with Benn...Eubank's become a bit undervalued IMO.

Taki... · Post by **Taki...** » 02 May 2007, 19:34

Eubank (and his great rival Benn) had charisma, something Calzaghe for example lacks.
Charisma, ability, heart, and a fantastic chin made Eubank worth his weight in gold. I bet ITV would swap Calzaghe for a prime Eubank in a heartbeat.

Cannibal · Post by **Cannibal** » 02 May 2007, 20:10

I'd swap Calzaghe for a prime steak. *Licks lips*

Grilling Machine · Post by **Grilling Machine** » 02 May 2007, 20:35

For me, his ring walk presence was even more interesting than Tyson's. Helped by a great choice of song and the rope leap of course. The fascinating thing though was his calmness. No-one else at SM ever - in my memory - had that kind of intense belief in themselves.

You could say he was just arrogant and overrating his own ability, that's probably true, yet he was a tremendous example to others. Not because of who he is or how he behaved, but for advertising boxing as a noble sport. Floyd Patterson was exceptional in the same way.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 03 May 2007, 05:45

Eubank was a genuine superstar.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 03 May 2007, 07:58

Interestingly enough, the yank writers tend to rate Eubank very highly in the history of the division, and is the one guy they talk about as being in with a shot of defeating Roy Jones Jr.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 03 May 2007, 08:04

Eubank = English Sven Ottke..
Skillful, great defence but he got so many dodgy decisions in his favour as he was Box Office and the WBO NEEDED him...

He was exciting but by no means a superstar

Khaosai-Galaxy · Post by **Khaosai-Galaxy** » 03 May 2007, 08:05

I was at a function with Eubank a few years ago, his faux "toff" accent lasted for about a bottle and a half of Champagne before lapsing into good old fashioned "estuary" english

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 03 May 2007, 08:06

What a facile comparison. Eubank had the heart of a lion, and despite some of the awful nights he turned in, he also turned in fantastic performances against Benn, Watson.

Ottke was basically an amateur boxer, who picked and poked his way to decisions. Eubank was a true warrior, and when his back was to the wall he was deadly and explosive.

His come from behind win against Watson was nothing short of superhuman. He looked completely exhausted and finished when he went down.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 03 May 2007, 08:07

Khaosai-Galaxy wrote:I was at a function with Eubank a few years ago, his faux "toff" accent lasted for about a bottle and a half of Champagne before lapsing into good old fashioned "estuary" english

I've heard other people say this too. I'd love to hear it lapse for myself.

Fair play to Chris, he reinvented a TV friendly persona, and made a good career in doing so.

Isn't Eubank a Muslim though, I thought he didn't drink?

chief · Post by **chief** » 03 May 2007, 08:10

I believe Eubank drinks alrite...

A boxer I never warmed to until his 1st showing against Thompson, nothing but respect and admiration for the guy after that.....

Khaosai-Galaxy · Post by **Khaosai-Galaxy** » 03 May 2007, 08:12

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
Khaosai-Galaxy wrote:I was at a function with Eubank a few years ago, his faux "toff" accent lasted for about a bottle and a half of Champagne before lapsing into good old fashioned "estuary" english
I've heard other people say this too. I'd love to hear it lapse for myself.

Fair play to Chris, he reinvented a TV friendly persona, and made a good career in doing so.

Isn't Eubank a Muslim though, I thought he didn't drink?

Ohhh he drinks plenty alright, im not sure he takes his latest religion very seriously at all.

Loads of Muslims in SE asia drink tho, there is no direct law in the Qur'an that says you cant drink

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 03 May 2007, 08:15

Eubanks workrate was shockingly poor, he just couldnt sustain anything! He was exciting because of his persona,not because of his style, his fights were mainly pretty crap when the other guy wasnt too hot(Ron Esset anyone?)

Eubank lost to Sherry, Watson(1), Sugarboy Malinga, Close(Twice) and Dan Schommer, Oh and Nigel Benn..
His greatest night was when he beat Rocky in Germany but he is overated, period

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 03 May 2007, 08:16

Golly! You are quite right! Well I never.

http://www.free-minds.org/articles/quranic/alcohol.htm

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 03 May 2007, 08:33

jamesmcdonnell wrote:What a facile comparison. Eubank had the heart of a lion, and despite some of the awful nights he turned in, he also turned in fantastic performances against Benn, Watson.

Ottke was basically an amateur boxer, who picked and poked his way to decisions. Eubank was a true warrior, and when his back was to the wall he was deadly and explosive.

His come from behind win against Watson was nothing short of superhuman. He looked completely exhausted and finished when he went down.

I actually think the stick BOTH men get is out of line.

I saw all Ottke's "controversial" fights. I had him beating Brewer twice, Mitchell, Glencafe, had him drawing with Mads Larsen (where Ottke did a 'Hopkins-Taylor' ie 90% defense causing a stalemate) and losing to Reid.

Ottke-Brewer 1 is really interesting. Sven looks a lot stronger than later in his career, stood his ground more and put more in his punches than we are accustomed. That was his prime (2nd year as a pro) so he definitely stayed in thre amateurs too long.

But yes he did use an amateur style though he was a hugely skilled and phenominally successful athlete.

The Eubank robbery claims are also a tad rich, for me. Not seen him v Ray Close, but I had him genuinely beating Thornton, Rocchigiani. I had him losing Watson 1 closely and Benn 2, but it was tight and Benn did get deducted.

With Eubank, just imagine if he had it in him mentally to finish Collins and Thompson in their 1st fights.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 03 May 2007, 08:38

thepocketrocket wrote:Eubanks workrate was shockingly poor, he just couldnt sustain anything! He was exciting because of his persona,not because of his style, his fights were mainly pretty crap when the other guy wasnt too hot(Ron Esset anyone?)

Eubank lost to Sherry, Watson(1), Sugarboy Malinga, Close(Twice) and Dan Schommer, Oh and Nigel Benn..
His greatest night was when he beat Rocky in Germany but he is overated, period

same applies to James Toney

Taki... · Post by **Taki...** » 03 May 2007, 09:11

After Watson 2 Eubank was very cautious and tentative in many fights. I think that tragedy had far more effect on his style than people tend to think. He had some very close decisions, but imo there were no robberies. And unlike Sven Ottke, Eubank took his licks without looking imploringly at the referee for assistance.
I'm not sure Eubank was ever that arrogant about his ability, although his manner gave the appearance of aloof arrogance in general. Despite the animosity from Nigel Benn I always remember Eubank saying Benn was a warrior.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 03 May 2007, 09:13

Final Fight wrote:
thepocketrocket wrote:Eubanks workrate was shockingly poor, he just couldnt sustain anything! He was exciting because of his persona,not because of his style, his fights were mainly pretty crap when the other guy wasnt too hot(Ron Esset anyone?)

Eubank lost to Sherry, Watson(1), Sugarboy Malinga, Close(Twice) and Dan Schommer, Oh and Nigel Benn..
His greatest night was when he beat Rocky in Germany but he is overated, period
same applies to James Toney

I like the point you make about Ottke-Brewer(1) I just take a differant view! He lost that fight to Brewer and I think he adjusted his style accordingly, more boring fights, yet he was effective..and I agree, he won lots of these fights, it became a cliche that Ottke lost 'every fight'.

I personally think that Eubank got more iffy decision, I doubt he would have if he was the WBC champ, but as I said, the WBO needed credibility..

I see the Toney analogy and it does have merit, but I doubt that Toney would have been pushed by some of these fighters mentioned..

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 03 May 2007, 09:16

Final Fight wrote:
jamesmcdonnell wrote:What a facile comparison. Eubank had the heart of a lion, and despite some of the awful nights he turned in, he also turned in fantastic performances against Benn, Watson.

Ottke was basically an amateur boxer, who picked and poked his way to decisions. Eubank was a true warrior, and when his back was to the wall he was deadly and explosive.

His come from behind win against Watson was nothing short of superhuman. He looked completely exhausted and finished when he went down.
I actually think the stick BOTH men get is out of line.

I saw all Ottke's "controversial" fights. I had him beating Brewer twice, Mitchell, Glencafe, had him drawing with Mads Larsen (where Ottke did a 'Hopkins-Taylor' ie 90% defense causing a stalemate) and losing to Reid.

Ottke-Brewer 1 is really interesting. Sven looks a lot stronger than later in his career, stood his ground more and put more in his punches than we are accustomed. That was his prime (2nd year as a pro) so he definitely stayed in thre amateurs too long.

But yes he did use an amateur style though he was a hugely skilled and phenominally successful athlete.

The Eubank robbery claims are also a tad rich, for me. Not seen him v Ray Close, but I had him genuinely beating Thornton, Rocchigiani. I had him losing Watson 1 closely and Benn 2, but it was tight and Benn did get deducted.

With Eubank, just imagine if he had it in him mentally to finish Collins and Thompson in their 1st fights.

I've heard fighters say that Ottke hit harder than given credit for, I guess they are referring to his earlier career. His later career was pretty dismal, the Larsen fight was a snoozefest. I've got a whole tape at home of Ottke's fights, and my god it's hard viewing!

Khaosai-Galaxy · Post by **Khaosai-Galaxy** » 03 May 2007, 10:03

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
Final Fight wrote:
jamesmcdonnell wrote:What a facile comparison. Eubank had the heart of a lion, and despite some of the awful nights he turned in, he also turned in fantastic performances against Benn, Watson.

Ottke was basically an amateur boxer, who picked and poked his way to decisions. Eubank was a true warrior, and when his back was to the wall he was deadly and explosive.

His come from behind win against Watson was nothing short of superhuman. He looked completely exhausted and finished when he went down.
I actually think the stick BOTH men get is out of line.

I saw all Ottke's "controversial" fights. I had him beating Brewer twice, Mitchell, Glencafe, had him drawing with Mads Larsen (where Ottke did a 'Hopkins-Taylor' ie 90% defense causing a stalemate) and losing to Reid.

Ottke-Brewer 1 is really interesting. Sven looks a lot stronger than later in his career, stood his ground more and put more in his punches than we are accustomed. That was his prime (2nd year as a pro) so he definitely stayed in thre amateurs too long.

But yes he did use an amateur style though he was a hugely skilled and phenominally successful athlete.

The Eubank robbery claims are also a tad rich, for me. Not seen him v Ray Close, but I had him genuinely beating Thornton, Rocchigiani. I had him losing Watson 1 closely and Benn 2, but it was tight and Benn did get deducted.

With Eubank, just imagine if he had it in him mentally to finish Collins and Thompson in their 1st fights.
I've heard fighters say that Ottke hit harder than given credit for, I guess they are referring to his earlier career. His later career was pretty dismal, the Larsen fight was a snoozefest. I've got a whole tape at home of Ottke's fights, and my god it's hard viewing!

What on earth happened to Larsen??

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 03 May 2007, 10:05

He's back soon after a 3 year dispute with former promoter.

He kept calling him Madison apparentley.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 03 May 2007, 10:13

thepocketrocket wrote:
Final Fight wrote:
thepocketrocket wrote:Eubanks workrate was shockingly poor, he just couldnt sustain anything! He was exciting because of his persona,not because of his style, his fights were mainly pretty crap when the other guy wasnt too hot(Ron Esset anyone?)

Eubank lost to Sherry, Watson(1), Sugarboy Malinga, Close(Twice) and Dan Schommer, Oh and Nigel Benn..
His greatest night was when he beat Rocky in Germany but he is overated, period
same applies to James Toney
I like the point you make about Ottke-Brewer(1) I just take a differant view! He lost that fight to Brewer and I think he adjusted his style accordingly, more boring fights, yet he was effective..and I agree, he won lots of these fights, it became a cliche that Ottke lost 'every fight'.

I personally think that Eubank got more iffy decision, I doubt he would have if he was the WBC champ, but as I said, the WBO needed credibility..

I see the Toney analogy and it does have merit, but I doubt that Toney would have been pushed by some of these fighters mentioned..

I felt that Ottke-Brewer 1 was clearer than Brewer 2 and Mitchell. Perhaps there is the feeling that Brewer 1 was the less conincing win, because of cultural distance and getting used to Ottke's style?

I admit, I knew nothing of his fights when I first tuned in, but when I got used to him I didn't see the problems with the scoring.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 03 May 2007, 10:19

I had Ottke winning Brewer(2) and definately Mitchell who he schooled...

Khaosai-Galaxy · Post by **Khaosai-Galaxy** » 03 May 2007, 10:22

thepocketrocket wrote:I had Ottke winning Brewer(2) and definately Mitchell who he schooled...

I had Ottke winning by about 8 points against Byron, all that robbery talk was just hype for the Calzaghe fight, no?